Elon Musk demands users stop ‘deadnaming’ Twitter after Stephen King trolls the billionaire

Elon Musk demands users stop ‘deadnaming’ Twitter after Stephen King trolls the billionaire

Elon Musk, the enigmatic billionaire behind Tesla and SpaceX, is once again making waves on social media. This time, he is demanding that users stop referring to Twitter as ‘Twitter’ and instead use the name ‘X’. Musk’s decree comes after acclaimed author Stephen King trolled the billionaire by referring to the social media platform as its original name.

The irony of Musk’s demand is not lost on many observers. Here we have a man who has built his reputation on pushing boundaries and disrupting industries, now seemingly unable to handle a simple jest from a fellow public figure. It begs the question: if Musk cannot take a lighthearted jab on social media, how will he navigate the complex challenges that lie ahead?

Critics have been quick to point out Musk’s own track record when it comes to respecting individuals’ wishes regarding their identity. He has been accused of ‘deadnaming’ his own transgender child, using their former name even after they have publicly changed it. In light of this, Musk’s demand for users to stop using the name ‘Twitter’ seems hypocritical. It raises the question of whether corporations hold more importance to him than individuals.

It is noteworthy that the very website Musk is hoping to rebrand still bears the domain name [twitter.com](https://twitter.com). As users continue to flock to the platform, calling it by its original name seems like the most natural choice. The fact that Musk is attempting to assert control over how people refer to a widely recognized platform reflects a certain level of entitlement that has become all too familiar in the world of tech billionaires.

What is perhaps most striking about this latest episode is Musk’s thin skin when it comes to criticism. As the wealthiest person in the world, one would expect him to have a level of resilience and self-assuredness that transcends online banter. Instead, Musk seems to be deeply affected by what he perceives as personal attacks, to the point where he feels compelled to dictate how others should refer to a social media platform.

In a world where free speech is increasingly under threat, Musk’s demand for users to stop ‘deadnaming’ Twitter raises questions about his commitment to this fundamental value. If he is unable to handle a playful jab from a popular author, how can we trust him to uphold the principles of open discourse and freedom of expression?

As users continue to mock Musk and assert their right to refer to Twitter as they see fit, it remains to be seen how this latest episode will impact the billionaire’s reputation. Will he double down on his demand, or will he choose to let this particular battle go? One thing is for certain: in the world of social media, nothing is off-limits, not even for the richest man on the planet. Elon Musk, the influential figure behind successful companies like Tesla and SpaceX, has once again found himself in the center of attention, this time for his demand that users stop referring to Twitter as ‘Twitter’ and call it ‘X’ instead. This directive was prompted by a playful jab from renowned author Stephen King, who referred to the social media platform by its original name.

The situation is ripe with irony. Musk, known for his boundary-pushing innovations and disruptive ideas, appears to struggle with light-hearted banter on social media. This raises concerns about his ability to navigate more significant challenges in the future if he cannot handle simple jokes from public figures like Stephen King.

Critics have been keen to highlight Musk’s own behavior regarding respecting individuals’ identities. Accusations of him ‘deadnaming’ his transgender child have circulated, implying that he continued to use their former name even after they had publicly changed it. In this context, Musk’s demand to stop using the name ‘Twitter’ seems contradictory and opens up a discussion on his priorities, questioning whether corporations take precedence over individuals in his eyes.

It is striking that the very platform Musk is trying to rename still maintains the domain name ‘twitter.com’. As users persist in using this familiar term for the platform, Musk’s attempt to control how people refer to it showcases a level of entitlement often associated with tech billionaires.

What stands out the most in this situation is Musk’s apparent sensitivity to criticism. As the wealthiest individual globally, one would expect him to possess a thick skin and be impervious to online teasing. Nevertheless, Musk’s reaction to what he perceives as personal attacks suggests otherwise, resulting in his insistence on dictating how others should address a social media platform.

In a time where free speech is increasingly under scrutiny, Musk’s call for users to cease ‘deadnaming’ Twitter raises concerns about his allegiance to this fundamental principle. If he struggles to handle a light-hearted comment from a popular author, can we entrust him with upholding the ideals of open dialogue and freedom of expression?

As users continue to poke fun at Musk and defend their right to identify Twitter as they choose, the impact of this incident on the billionaire’s standing remains to be seen. Will he maintain his demand or opt to let this battle slip away? One thing is certain: even the richest person on the planet cannot avoid the realm of social media, where everything, including the actions of a billionaire, is fair game.