With a noticeable drop in daily active users on Elon Musk’s X platform, a growing number of individuals are opting to leave the social media site altogether, seeking solace in alternatives like Bluesky, Mastodon, Threads, or perhaps embracing a digital break entirely.
Since Musk acquired Twitter in 2022, a plethora of new platforms has emerged, vying for users discontent with his stewardship of the service. For many, the tipping point occurred when X transitioned its famed blue checkmark into a subscription feature, transforming a symbol of credibility into an inconsequential badge. Others found their breaking point due to Musk’s political ties to the Trump administration, or when he reinstated accounts belonging to known white supremacists, or possibly when X made public posts visible to users they had chosen to block.
Perhaps you’re simply looking to reduce your screen time. If so, that’s commendable — more power to you!
Nevertheless, if you’re contemplating moving on from X, keep reading.
Steps to Download Your X Archive
On X, users can download a data archive that encompasses a variety of your account information, such as your posts, media uploads, direct messages, and your follower and following lists. Regardless of your plans for your account, having this information can be beneficial.
The archive may also contain data collected by X for advertising purposes, reflecting any inferred interests or demographics. For example, if you frequently interact with sports-related content, X is likely to associate you with those interests and subsequently show you more relevant advertisements.
To download this archive using your desktop browser, follow these steps:
- Select the three-dot icon located at the bottom of the left navigation bar.
- Proceed to Settings and privacy.
- You will then see a screen labeled Your Account, where you can find an option to Download an archive of your data.
- X will prompt you to enter your password for security. Once entered, you’ll be able to request your data.
It might take a few days for X to compile and prepare your data, so don’t be surprised if you don’t receive the .zip file promptly. If you’re looking to deactivate or delete your account, be sure to wait for the download link, as X cannot send you this information if your account is inactive.
Additional Steps Before Deleting Your X Account
Deleting your X account means your posts and profile will be removed from the platform, but it’s important to note that search engines like Google have no authority over social media sites and continue to index public content. Consequently, your posts could still appear in search results even after your account is deleted.
If you wish to be thorough in your exit, here are a few precautionary measures you can take:
- Update your display name.
- Change your username or handle.
- Adjust your account settings to make your posts private, if they aren’t already.
If your posts have always been private, you won’t need to worry. However, if you switch a public account to private for any reason, keep in mind that previously public posts may remain discoverable through search engines; these platforms typically cache content and may take time to update.
Instructions for Deleting Your X Account
If you’ve decided it’s time to log out for good, remember that deactivating your account offers a 30-day window during which you can reconsider. Once deactivated, your profile will be hidden from view on X.
To deactivate your X account, follow these steps:
- In your desktop browser, click the three-dot icon in the lower left navigation menu.
- Go to Settings and privacy.
- You will be directed to a screen titled Your Account, where you will find the option to Deactivate your account.
- Upon selecting this option, you’ll be taken to a page that ensures you’re fully aware of your decision.
- Finally, click the red button labeled Deactivate.
Keep in mind that X is not eager for you to leave, which is why it doesn’t let you skip to the final step immediately. If you change your mind during the 30-day window, you can reactivate your account.
Should the full 30 days pass without you logging back into X, your account will be permanently erased. Congratulations on your newfound freedom! Now, perhaps it’s time to enjoy some fresh air.
Alternatives to Consider Instead of X
If you still have a strong desire to engage socially online, consider exploring alternative platforms that may offer a more positive experience. Here are a few options that might pique your interest:
Bluesky
Bluesky serves as a microblogging platform founded on an open-source protocol. While this may sound complex, it essentially means that Bluesky is designed to be more transparent, allowing third-party developers to build on its framework.
For those wary of large corporations like Meta and Google controlling their online interactions, Bluesky’s open-source model may be particularly appealing, granting users more authority than they typically have on conventional platforms. Nevertheless, Bluesky operates as a tech company that has raised $23 million in funding, which means it must balance the needs of its investors with those of its users.
As of January 2025, Bluesky has amassed roughly 30 million registered users. Following the elections that saw Donald Trump come to power in November 2024, interest in the platform surged, with many frustrated X users transitioning over. Originally developed as a project under Twitter’s C-suite and co-founder Jack Dorsey, Bluesky has since severed ties with X, and Dorsey no longer serves on its board.
Mastodon
Similar to Bluesky, Mastodon functions as an open-source social network but has been operational since 2016. Its infrastructure may appear complex, but users don’t require technical knowledge to navigate the platform. Many from the cybersecurity community have embraced Mastodon’s advanced structure, while less tech-savvy individuals may find it somewhat daunting. Mastodon has worked on simplifying the registration process by directing users to the “mastodon.social” server by default.
As of January 2025, Mastodon boasts approximately 10 million registered accounts and nearly 1 million active users, based on open-source analytics. The platform’s user count has more than doubled since Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in October 2022.
Threads
Threads benefits from a significant advantage since it is owned by Meta, enabling users to seamlessly import their following lists from Instagram. Among the available options, Threads provides the most straightforward way to connect with existing contacts (although Bluesky and Mastodon offer similar “Starter Packs” to facilitate a smoother onboarding).
However, Threads’ greatest strength also poses a challenge: if users are already disillusioned with Meta’s ecosystem—encompassing Facebook and WhatsApp—they may be reluctant to hand over even more control of their online engagement to Meta.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated in December 2024 that Threads has surpassed 100 million daily active users and 300 million monthly active users, positioning it as a leader in this space. Threads has maintained its growth trajectory, fueled by its aligned integration with Instagram.
Compiled by Techarena.au.
Fanpage: TechArena.au
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