Why People Are Ditching X

Elon Musk’s X is losing its grip. Daily active users are plummeting, and people are fleeing to alternatives like Bluesky, Mastodon, Threads—or better yet, ditching social media altogether. Since Musk took over Twitter in 2022, the platform has become a battleground of controversy. From turning the iconic blue checkmark into a paid feature to reinstating banned accounts and amplifying political agendas, X has alienated millions. Maybe you’re just tired of the noise and want to reclaim your time. Whatever your reason, if you’re ready to break up with X, here’s how to do it like a pro.

Step 1: Download Your Data

Before you hit delete, grab your data. X lets you download an archive of your posts, media, DMs, and follower lists. This isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a power move. Your archive also includes ad-targeting data X has collected about you. For example, if you follow sports accounts, X assumes you’re a fan and floods your feed with sports ads. Here’s how to get your data:

• Log into X on your desktop browser.
• Navigate to Settings & Privacy > Your Account > Download an Archive.
• Request your data and wait for the link (it might take a few days).

“Your data is your digital footprint. Don’t leave it behind.”

— Tech Privacy Advocate

Step 2: Delete or Deactivate

Once you’ve got your data, it’s time to pull the plug. Deleting your account means your posts and profile vanish from X. But here’s the catch: search engines like Google may still have cached versions of your public posts. To minimize this, consider:

• Making your account private before deleting it.
• Manually deleting individual posts.

If you’re not ready to fully commit, deactivation gives you a 30-day grace period. During this time, your profile is hidden, but you can reactivate if you change your mind. After 30 days, your account is gone for good.

Step 3: Explore Alternatives (or Go Offline)

If you’re not ready to quit social media cold turkey, here are some X alternatives that might scratch your itch without the drama:

Bluesky

Built on an open-source protocol, Bluesky offers transparency and user control. It’s not perfect—it’s still a tech company with investors—but as a public benefit corporation, it prioritizes users over profits. With 30 million registered users as of January 2025, Bluesky is a solid choice for those fleeing X.

Mastodon

Mastodon has been around since 2016 and is a favorite among tech-savvy users. Its decentralized setup can be intimidating, but recent updates have made it more user-friendly. With 10 million registered users and 1 million active users, Mastodon is a niche but growing community.

Threads

Owned by Meta, Threads integrates seamlessly with Instagram, making it easy to transfer your following. With 100 million daily active users, it’s the most popular alternative. But if you’re wary of Meta’s ecosystem, this might not be the app for you.

Step 4: Reclaim Your Life

Deleting X isn’t just about leaving a platform—it’s about reclaiming your time, attention, and mental space. Whether you dive into an alternative or embrace the offline world, the choice is yours. Congratulations, you’re free. Now go outside, read a book, or just breathe. The world is waiting.