Musk plans to default to dark mode on X, the new name for Twitter

Twitter, the popular social media platform, is undergoing a major transformation under its new owner, Elon Musk. The billionaire entrepreneur, who acquired Twitter in a surprise deal earlier this year, has announced that the platform will soon be rebranded as X and will only offer dark mode as its theme.

Dark mode is a screen setting that reduces the amount of white light emitted by a device, making it easier on the eyes and saving battery life. Twitter has historically featured a default white theme but introduced a dark mode option in 2016. Users can choose between light, dim, and lights-out modes.

However, Musk believes dark mode is "superior in every way" and wants to make it the only option for X users. He tweeted on Thursday: "This platform will soon only have 'dark mode.' It is better in every way."

On Friday (28/07/2023), he followed up with another tweet: "And soon we shall bid adieu to the Twitter brand and, gradually, all the birds." He also posted a picture of a stylized X logo against a black background with stars. He added: "Dark mode default. Dim will be deleted."

Musk's decision to make dark mode default has received mixed reactions from users. Some have praised him for improving the user experience and aesthetics of the platform, while others have complained that dark mode hurts their eyes or that they prefer having a choice between different modes.

"I love dark mode. It's easier on my eyes and looks cool. Thank you, Elon, for making it default," one user commented.

"I hate dark mode. It makes everything harder to read and gives me headaches. Please don't take away light mode," another user pleaded.

Musk has yet to give a clear timeline for when X will switch to dark mode only, but he has hinted that it could happen soon. He has yet to explain how the change will affect users using light or dim mode.

Making dark mode default is part of Musk's larger vision to transform Twitter into X, an "everything app" offering unlimited interactivity and connectivity through audio, video, messaging, payments, banking, and more. Powered by AI, X will connect users in ways they are "just beginning to imagine," according to Linda Yaccarino, the new chief of X.

Musk has already made several changes to Twitter since he took over, such as introducing paid subscriptions, launching a cryptocurrency called Twix, and changing the company's logo and handle to X. He has also said that he plans to integrate Twitter with his other ventures, such as Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink.

Musk's ambitious plans for X have sparked curiosity and excitement among some users and skepticism and criticism among others. Some have questioned his motives and ethics behind acquiring Twitter and changing it so drastically. Others have wondered if he can deliver on his promises and if X can compete with other platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Whether Musk's vision for X will succeed or fail remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Twitter as we know it will soon be gone.