Over 100 Reddit communities have prohibited users from sharing links to X. This action is a response to Elon Musk’s controversial gesture at a rally. Musk’s arm extension was perceived by some as a Nazi salute, which he has denied.
Musk’s Controversial Gesture
At a rally celebrating Donald Trump’s return to office, Musk thanked the crowd by extending his arm. Critics quickly condemned the gesture, claiming it resembled a Nazi salute. Musk dismissed these comparisons as “tired” and “dirty tricks.”
Reddit Users’ Reaction
Despite Musk’s dismissal, many Reddit users found his actions offensive. Moderators from various subreddits decided to ban links to X due to the backlash. This decision reflects a growing sentiment against Musk’s behavior among Redditors.
Reddit’s Stance on X Links
Reddit has clarified that there is no sitewide ban on X links. The platform emphasizes its commitment to freedom of speech and community moderation. However, individual subreddits have the autonomy to enforce their own rules.
Impact on Traffic and Engagement
The ban on X links could significantly affect traffic and engagement for those subreddits. Major communities like r/NBA, r/TwoXChromosomes, and r/NFL have joined the protest. These subreddits collectively represent millions of members.
Widespread Adoption of the Ban
At least 100 subreddits have implemented the ban, with many more considering it. Over 60 of these communities have at least 100,000 members. Smaller subreddits are also likely participating, increasing the total number of bans.
Who is Participating?
Fan-run subreddits for football clubs like Liverpool and Celtic have joined the movement. Communities for various U.S. sports teams and Formula 1 have also banned X links. Additionally, city-based subreddits from around the world are participating.
Gaming Communities Join In
Gamers have also taken action, with subreddits for popular games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and World of Warcraft banning X links. The protest is spreading across diverse topics, including RuPaul’s Drag Race and Disneyland.
Dissenting Voices
While many subreddits support the ban, some have chosen not to participate. For instance, the Maine subreddit will not impose a ban as long as the state maintains official accounts. Similarly, a British Columbia group refuses to engage in censorship.
Potential Impact on X
The bans could significantly affect traffic to X, especially from sports-related subreddits. These communities often share content from athletes and analysts, making them vital for referrals. Popular posts on these subreddits frequently originate from X.
Temporary Nature of the Bans
The bans may not be permanent, as Reddit communities often engage in temporary protests. In 2023, many communities “went dark” to contest platform changes. However, these movements typically do not last long.
Historical Context of Protests
Previous protests on Reddit have shown that community actions can be short-lived. For example, a movement to only allow posts about comedian John Oliver eventually faded. Despite initial resistance, Reddit’s changes proved financially beneficial.
Conclusion
The ban on X links by Reddit communities highlights the growing discontent with Elon Musk’s actions. As the protest continues to evolve, its impact on both Reddit and X remains to be seen. The situation reflects broader discussions about accountability and community standards in online spaces.
