X’s User Decline: A Symptom of Broader Social Media Shifts?
X, formerly Twitter, is experiencing a noticeable decline in user engagement, with an 8.8% drop in active monthly users in Belgium during the second half of 2025. This translates to 162,505 fewer users, bringing the total to 1.691.159 as of December 2025, according to data compiled by social media expert Xavier Degraux. While X once boasted nearly 2.3 million active users in Belgium, this downturn raises questions about the platform’s future and the evolving landscape of social media.
The European Trend: A Wider Exodus
Belgium’s decline isn’t isolated. X has lost approximately 15% of its active users across Europe in the same period, ending the year with 64.77 million users. France saw a 12.5% decrease, and Germany experienced a more significant drop of 16.6%. These figures, too reported by Xavier Degraux, highlight a pan-European trend of users moving away from the platform.
The Elon Musk Effect: Ideological Shifts and User Departure
Experts attribute this erosion to changes implemented since Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in late 2022. Degraux notes that many prominent voices and opinion leaders have left the platform, citing disagreement with Musk’s policies, and direction. In Belgium, several Flemish media outlets have also made the move, while Francophone media have largely remained present.
Beyond Numbers: A Decline in Engagement
The decline extends beyond mere user numbers. Degraux observes a significant decrease in engagement, with fewer debates and discussions taking place on the platform. This suggests that even those who remain are less actively participating, with conversations increasingly shifting to private messaging apps and other platforms.
The Digital Services Act and Platform Accountability
The decline of X is occurring against the backdrop of increased regulatory scrutiny. The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into full effect in February 2024, aims to hold large online platforms accountable for the content they host. The DSA requires platforms like X to be more transparent and remove illegal content. However, as of May 2025, no sanctions have been issued to major platforms under the DSA, despite concerns about the spread of harmful content on X.
DSA Transparency and Data Collection
Degraux’s analysis of X’s user numbers is directly based on transparency reports the platform is now required to submit under the DSA. This demonstrates the potential of the DSA to provide valuable data for understanding platform performance and user behavior, even as enforcement lags.
What Does the Future Hold for X?
The future of X remains uncertain. The platform faces challenges in retaining users, fostering engagement, and complying with evolving regulations. The shift in user activity towards private messaging suggests a broader trend of users seeking more controlled and curated online experiences. Whether X can adapt to these changes and regain its former prominence remains to be seen.
Pro Tip: Diversify Your Social Media Presence
For businesses and individuals relying on social media for communication and outreach, this trend underscores the importance of diversifying your presence across multiple platforms. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
FAQ
Q: What is the Digital Services Act (DSA)?
A: The DSA is a European Union regulation designed to create a safer and more transparent online environment by holding large online platforms accountable for the content they host.
Q: Why are users leaving X?
A: Many users are leaving due to disagreements with Elon Musk’s policies and direction, as well as a perceived decline in the quality of discourse on the platform.
Q: Is this decline happening everywhere?
A: No, the decline is most pronounced in Europe, but X is experiencing user losses in several key markets.
Q: What does this mean for businesses using X?
A: Businesses should consider diversifying their social media presence and exploring alternative platforms to reach their target audiences.
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