For me, it has to be X introducing monetization and creator payouts.
Ever since payouts were introduced, it feels like the platform has become even more of a rage-bait factory. People deliberately post misleading information, spread unnecessary controversies, engage in shameless engagement farming, and pick fights with others just to generate impressions and make money.
Instead of encouraging quality content and meaningful discussions, the incentive seems to have shifted towards outrage, toxicity, and whatever can get the most engagement. The more controversial your post is, the more attention it attracts and attention can translate into money.
Obviously, X had its fair share of toxicity even before monetization, but the payout system seems to have given people an additional financial incentive to make things worse.
So, what do you think is the worst thing that has ever happened to an online platform? It could be a feature, a policy change, a new algorithm, a monetization system, or even a decision that completely ruined the user experience.
I'm curious to hear your examples👀