How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter
How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter," authors Kate Conger and Ryan Mac delve into the chaotic period of Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter in 2022 and the platform's subsequent decline.
The book provides fresh insights into Musk's tumultuous takeover of Twitter. Conger and Mac, technology reporters at The New York Times, argue that Musk's approach to running Twitter, which he termed "founder mode," was unsuccessful due to his lack of experience in managing social media companies and over-reliance on a small circle of advisors.
The book also sheds light on a controversial incident involving Musk's personal life, where the name chosen for his second child with musician Grimes was initially given to one of Musk's twins with Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis. The name was later changed following public outcry.
Conger explains that Musk was advised by a limited circle of people who lacked the necessary expertise for the task at hand. She also notes that Musk has always operated in limited circles, but the extent to which this had become the case by the time he took over Twitter surprised her.
Regarding the baby-name situation, Conger says that Elon and Grimes had chosen a name for their daughter that was then used for one of Shivon Zilis' twins with Elon. When Grimes found out, she was understandably upset and posted song lyrics about the name essentially being stolen from her. Shivon then ended up changing the child's name, which is how the existence of Shivon's children came to light publicly.
The book's revelations underscore the complexities and challenges that can arise when a high-profile individual like Musk takes over a major social media platform. Musk's lack of experience in the sector and his reliance on a small group of advisors may have contributed to Twitter's decline under his leadership.
The controversy surrounding the naming of Musk's child also highlights the scrutiny that public figures like Musk face in their personal lives. This incident, along with the details of Musk's Twitter takeover, provide a deeper understanding of the events that have shaped Twitter's recent history.
How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter" is set to be released on Tuesday.