zeit.de
Hamburg to Maintain X Presence Despite Hate Speech Concerns
The city of Hamburg, Germany, will continue using X (formerly Twitter) for disseminating information to citizens despite concerns about hate speech and misinformation; the city says it is using the platform to counteract disinformation and communicate with its citizens and will coordinate with other states and the federal press office.
- What is Hamburg's approach to using X (formerly Twitter) for public communication given rising concerns about hate speech and misinformation, and what are the immediate implications of this decision?
- The city of Hamburg, Germany, continues using X (formerly Twitter) for public communication, despite concerns about hate speech and misinformation. A spokesperson stated that they monitor the platform's development and coordinate with other states and the federal press office. The city's channels remain active for disseminating information to citizens.
- What are the potential long-term risks and benefits for Hamburg of maintaining its presence on X, considering the evolving nature of the platform and the ongoing concerns surrounding hate speech and misinformation?
- Hamburg's approach highlights a complex challenge for governments: balancing the benefits of using social media for public communication with concerns about online toxicity. The city's commitment to monitoring and coordination suggests a strategic approach to mitigating risks, though the long-term effectiveness remains uncertain. The ongoing evolution of X under Elon Musk's ownership adds further complexity to this challenge.
- What are the main arguments Hamburg is using to justify maintaining its presence on X despite the increase in harmful content, and how do these arguments reflect broader debates about social media and government communication?
- Hamburg's decision to stay on X contrasts with numerous users and organizations abandoning the platform due to rising hate speech. The city justifies its continued presence by citing X's utility for direct communication and countering misinformation, believing that official posts provide context and allow users to verify claims. This strategy is deemed important given the potential for manipulation through disinformation.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the Hamburg authorities' decision to remain on X positively, emphasizing their efforts to combat misinformation and engage citizens directly. The negative aspects of X, such as the increase in hate speech and concerns about Elon Musk's leadership, are presented but are downplayed in comparison to the perceived benefits. The headline (if there was one) would likely reflect this positive framing.
Language Bias
The language used in the article is generally neutral, although phrases like "unkontrollierte Funken" (uncontrolled sparks) regarding X's current state could be interpreted as subjective and emotionally charged. This could be replaced with a more neutral description such as "increased volatility".
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the Hamburg authorities' continued use of X, but omits discussion of alternative communication strategies they might employ to reach citizens, particularly those who have left the platform due to concerns about hate speech. It also doesn't explore the potential downsides of remaining on X despite these concerns. The article mentions that content is also available on other channels, but doesn't elaborate on what those channels are or how accessible they are compared to X.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by suggesting that using X is the only or best way to communicate directly with the public, neglecting other communication channels and strategies. This oversimplifies the complex issue of public communication in the digital age.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the Hamburg authorities' continued use of X (formerly Twitter) to combat disinformation and promote democratic values. By maintaining a presence on the platform, they aim to counter hate speech and provide citizens with access to verified information, thus contributing to a more informed and just society. The authorities actively use the platform to communicate important decisions and events directly to the public. This proactive approach fosters transparency and strengthens democratic institutions.