X may soon start charging new users just for posting; Check out alternate platforms

X, formerly called Twitter, is moving ahead with the plan to charge users to access basic features. Corroborating last year’s report, X owner Elon Musk has confirmed that new users on the platform may need to pay for features as basic as creating or liking a post. According to him, this would prevent bot and spam accounts from emerging on the platform further.

“Unfortunately, a small fee for new user write access is the only way to curb the relentless onslaught of bots. Current AI (and troll farms) can pass “are you a bot” with ease,” Musk wrote on X.

Ever since Musk took over Twitter, now X, he has raised concerns about the rampage of bots on the platform. While the good bots, those that offer customer service or perform particular tasks such as compiling a bundle of posts, are necessary, the bad and nefarious ones are a big problem. Not only do they manipulate engagement, but also put some accounts at harm. Bot accounts also have proper human names now, which Musk said results in a shortage of available namespace on X.

Unfortunately, a small fee for new user write access is the only way to curb the relentless onslaught of bots.

Current AI (and troll farms) can pass “are you a bot” with ease.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 15, 2024

However, charging users for basic features, such as creating a post, may not sit well with new users. X already put several features, including the verification badge, behind subscriptions, leaving users miffed. If you are planning to join X but are not comfortable with the idea of paying for the service, here are the alternatives you can check out:

X alternatives

— Threads by Meta: The latest app from Meta aims to recreate the Twitter experience by offering text-based updates, photos, and videos with an integration with Instagram.

— Bluesky: Created by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, Bluesky uses a decentralised approach to giving a Twitter-like experience, but also offers features such as user control over moderation and feed customisation.

— Cohost: This is a non-profit platform that is a slightly different experience than that of Twitter. Users can access features such as content moderation while accessing a chronologically arranged feed instead of the one driven by an algorithm.

— Mastodon: This one is also a decentralised platform with a unique structure where users can join smaller, server-based communities based on a particular interest.