Elon Musk, the world’s current biggest Fortuner, finally speaks out about his potential Twitter acquisition. Read his official statement and discover the latest insights into this high-profile development.
Musk has been on Twitter for quite some time, amassing more than 100 million followers and leveraging the platform to promote his professional and personal goals. He disclosed the investment of approximately $2.9 billion on April 4 for a 9.2 per cent share in the company. Later, Musk made an offer to purchase Twitter for $44 billion, or $54.20 per share.
Twitter accepted the deal with both hands. However, due to some delays and issues from Twitter, the deal is still not closed. In this short span, advertisers and social media have gone crazy about it. Both parties are constantly getting questioned, especially Elon, who hasn’t revealed any reason for this whopping deal. But, there is no secret now since Elon gave an official statement yesterday via a tweet on his purpose.
I wanted to reach out personally to share my motivation in acquiring Twitter. There has been much speculation about why I bought Twitter and what I think about advertising. Most of it has been wrong.
The reason I acquired Twitter is because it is important to the future of civilization to have a common digital town square, where a wide range of beliefs can be debated in a healthy manner, without resorting to violence. There is currently great danger that social media will splinter into far right wing and far left wing echo chambers that generate more hate and divide our society.
In the relentless pursuit of clicks, much of traditional media has fueled and catered to those polarized extremes, as they believe that is what brings in the money, but, in doing so, the opportunity for dialogue is lost.
That is why I bought Twitter. I didn’t do it because it would be easy. I didn’t do it to make more money. I did it to try to help humanity, whom I love. And I do so with humility, recognizing that failure in pursuing this goal, despite our best efforts, is a very real possibility.
That said, Twitter obviously cannot become a free-for-all hellscape, where anything can be said with no consequences! In addition to adhering to the laws of the land, our platform must be warm and welcoming to all, where you can choose your desired experience according to your preferences, just as you can choose, for example, to see movies or play video games ranging from all ages to mature.
-Elon Musk on Twitter