Elon Musk Gets a Ribbing for New X Algorithm Boosting ‘Positive’ Posts

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As you read posts on Twitchy Saturday, you might find plenty with notes appended that they’re “positive.” Our own Amy Curtis will have more on this in a VIP post later today, but in case you missed it, X owner Elon Musk posted this on Saturday:

Algorithm tweak coming soon to promote more informational/entertaining content. We will publish the changes to @XEng.

Our goal is to maximize unregretted user-seconds. Too much negativity is being pushed that technically grows user time, but not unregretted user time.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 4, 2025

We don’t want an algorithm tweak because of “too much negativity.” Among those testing out the new algorithm was Stephen L. Miller, aka @redsteeze:

Good morning all you beautiful online faces of X. May your day be filled with light and your posts all radiate with positivity today.

— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) January 4, 2025

Should we all start with some jumping jacks?

— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) January 4, 2025

Please, inform the group about what positive changes you are contributing to today. pic.twitter.com/MJtJsKXv9d

— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) January 4, 2025

Ooh. I can’t wait for the wonderful comments.

— John Hamblin (@JohnDHamblin) January 4, 2025

The algorithm KNOWS your positivity is sarcastic and fake and the algorithm is NOT AMUSED.

— Jarvis (@jarvis_best) January 4, 2025

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Grok analyzed Miller’s posts and detected some sarcasm:

I am contributing to X’s environment of positivity. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Please stop hitting me now. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/WYrYFOBUrM

— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) January 4, 2025

If I post positive things, I’ll get more attention from the algorithm on X, right?

Cool.

Here’s a random puppy. pic.twitter.com/s2Qnfi9oNS

— Governor Dill (@TheGreenOldDill) January 4, 2025

We’re not sure what the new algorithm does or how it determines if a post is positive or negative.

Am I the only one who doesn’t understand what unregretted user-seconds means?

— The🐰FOO (@PolitiBunny) January 4, 2025

Nope.

I oiled the wheels on my desk chair. Thank you.

— HuronShipwreck (@gcripe) January 4, 2025

Will the X algorithm be able to recognize sarcasm when the positive vibes tweaks come?

I wonder how a post like this will be read.

— Prof. Myles Baytes (@EngagementPhD) January 4, 2025

I didn’t throat punch someone who deserved it.

— Andy.Denenberg🇺🇸🇮🇱 (@andy_denenberg) January 4, 2025

Here is a cat in a box… pic.twitter.com/CAzg1O8rJ5

— Alex (@AToggs) January 4, 2025

I hope your team plays their best tomorrow and almost wins.

— John Ashbrook (@JohnAshbrook) January 4, 2025

John, thank you. Wishing positivity on a sports team from another city is a good way to put some positivity out into the world, as is cheering for playoff teams, especially when your own team will not be making the playoffs. I will keep your good vibes and positivity in my…

— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) January 4, 2025

Algorithm happy!

Very positive comment! pic.twitter.com/a6nEXqxnAZ

— Martha, do you hear yourself? (@rumBaKnight) January 4, 2025

Spreading as much love as possible

— Ima Bone-Her (@ImmaBoneHer) January 4, 2025

We can think of a lot of politicians and journalists who are going to be flagged by the new algorithm. Maybe Eric Swalwell and Ted Lieu will post positive things about Donald Trump.

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