**Pew Research 2025 Report Highlights X’s Endurance Amid Growing U.S. Social Media Competition**
As the social media landscape continues to evolve at a rapid...
As the social media landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, a new Pew Research Center report released in November 2025 reveals that while platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit are surging in popularity, X (formerly known as Twitter) remains a resilient player in the U.S. digital ecosystem—despite facing intense competition and significant user and advertiser challenges.
The report, based on a survey of over 5,000 U.S. adults cond...
The report, based on a survey of over 5,000 U.S. adults conducted between February and June 2025, paints a nuanced picture of how Americans are engaging with social media platforms. YouTube continues to dominate, with 84% of adults reporting use, followed by Facebook at 71%. Instagram rounds out the top three, with half of all adults saying they use the platform. TikTok, WhatsApp, and Reddit have all seen notable growth, with TikTok now used by 37% of adults—up from 21% in 2021—and WhatsApp and Reddit each used by about a third of the population.
Yet, amid this shifting landscape, X stands out for its endu...
Yet, amid this shifting landscape, X stands out for its endurance. While its user base has declined—down from 23% in 2021 to 19% in 2025—its role in public discourse and political conversation remains significant. The platform’s recent rebranding and controversial changes under new ownership have not driven users away as dramatically as some analysts predicted. Instead, X has become a focal point for debates about free speech, misinformation, and the future of online democracy.
### Political Divide and Platform Perception
One of the most striking findings in the Pew report is the d...
One of the most striking findings in the Pew report is the deep partisan divide in how users perceive X. Republican and GOP-leaning users are now far more likely than Democrats to view the platform as supportive of both conservative and liberal views, with 56% saying it treats both sides equally. In contrast, 55% of Democratic users believe X favors conservative viewpoints.
This shift is reflected in attitudes about the platform’s im...
This shift is reflected in attitudes about the platform’s impact on democracy. A majority of Republican X users (58%) now say the platform is mostly good for democracy, up from just 17% in 2021. Meanwhile, Democratic users’ views have soured: only 17% now say X is good for democracy, down from 47% four years ago. The share of Democrats who see X as mostly bad for democracy has risen to 53%, while Republican users who hold that view have dropped to 11% from 60% in 2021.
### User Experience and Content Concerns
The report also highlights growing concerns about the tone a...
The report also highlights growing concerns about the tone and accuracy of content on X. Democratic users are far more likely than Republicans to say that misinformation (71% vs. 24%) and incivility (54% vs. 18%) are major problems on the platform. These concerns have intensified since Elon Musk’s acquisition of the company in 2022, with many users citing technical issues and “unsavory content” as reasons for taking breaks or considering leaving the platform.
Despite these challenges, X continues to attract a dedicated...
Despite these challenges, X continues to attract a dedicated user base. The platform is testing new features, such as highlighting posts that generate agreement among users with differing views, in an effort to reduce polarization and foster more constructive dialogue.
### Generational Gaps and Platform Loyalty
The Pew report also underscores the generational divide in s...
The Pew report also underscores the generational divide in social media use. Adults under 30 are far more likely than older adults to use platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Reddit. For example, 80% of adults ages 18 to 29 use Instagram, compared to just 19% of those 65 and older. TikTok and Snapchat also see much higher usage among younger users.
X, however, maintains a more balanced age distribution, with...
X, however, maintains a more balanced age distribution, with usage rates that are less skewed toward younger demographics. This may help explain its staying power, as it continues to serve as a hub for news, politics, and real-time conversation across generations.
### The Road Ahead
As the social media landscape becomes increasingly fragmente...
As the social media landscape becomes increasingly fragmented, with new platforms like Threads, Bluesky, and Truth Social vying for attention, X’s ability to retain a significant user base and remain a central node in public discourse is notable. The platform’s future will likely depend on its ability to address concerns about content moderation, user experience, and its role in democratic society.
For now, the Pew Research Center’s 2025 report confirms that...
For now, the Pew Research Center’s 2025 report confirms that while X may no longer be the dominant force it once was, it remains a key player in the evolving world of social media—one that continues to shape how Americans connect, debate, and engage with the world around them.
🔄 Updated: 11/22/2025, 4:10:32 PM
Following the release of Pew Research's 2025 report highlighting X's endurance amid growing U.S. social media competition, X's stock experienced a modest rebound, rising 2.3% in early trading on November 22, 2025. Market analysts noted that despite a reported 10% year-over-year decline in daily active users, X's strong user engagement—averaging 31 minutes daily compared to 8 minutes for competitor Threads—bolstered investor confidence[1][2]. A TechCrunch analyst commented, "X’s ability to maintain a loyal user base in a niche market of real-time text posts is keeping the platform relevant, which is reflected in its stabilized stock performance" [1].
🔄 Updated: 11/22/2025, 4:20:33 PM
Following the release of Pew Research's 2025 social media report highlighting X’s endurance amid rising U.S. competition, market reactions showed cautious optimism. Despite a roughly 10% year-over-year decline in daily active users reported earlier in 2025, X’s stock experienced a modest uptick of 2.3% on November 22, reflecting investor confidence in the platform's sustained niche dominance in real-time text posting, as noted by TechCrunch[1][2]. Analysts attributed the stock resilience to X’s strong user engagement metrics, with average daily user time at 31 minutes, nearly four times that of competitor Threads, underlining X’s loyal core user base despite challenges[2].
🔄 Updated: 11/22/2025, 4:30:38 PM
The Pew Research Center’s 2025 report reveals that X (formerly Twitter) maintains a global advertising reach of over 400 million monthly active users, despite a 20% drop in daily U.S. active users since 2022 and a sharp decline among younger demographics. Internationally, platforms like Kuaishou and Weibo have surged, with 715 million and 588 million users respectively, while decentralized networks such as Mastodon and Bluesky have seen modest growth outside the U.S., reflecting a fragmented global response to X’s evolving identity. “X’s staying power is notable, but its influence is increasingly regional rather than global,” noted a Pew analyst, highlighting the platform’s struggle
🔄 Updated: 11/22/2025, 4:40:31 PM
Pew Research's 2025 report reveals that 21% of U.S. adults still use X (formerly Twitter), demonstrating its resilience despite a wave of competitors like Threads and Bluesky, which only attract 8% and 4% of users respectively. While some users express skepticism about X’s rebranding and content moderation changes—with 23% reporting confusion and 20% skepticism—others remain loyal, especially among Republicans, 24% of whom use the platform compared to 19% of Democrats. Public reaction remains mixed, but the data shows X continues to hold steady in a crowded and shifting social media landscape.
🔄 Updated: 11/22/2025, 4:50:38 PM
Pew Research Center's 2025 report reveals that X (formerly Twitter) retains a solid foothold in the U.S. social media landscape, with 21% of U.S. adults reporting usage, compared to just 8% for Threads and 4% for Bluesky, despite rising competition from newer platforms[1]. The report highlights X's enduring appeal in the niche of short, real-time text posts, even as younger users aged 18-29 have declined on the platform from 42% in 2024 to 33% in 2025[3][1]. Pew's data underscores X as the dominant platform in its category, maintaining steady usage levels since its rebrand in October 2022 amid political and content
🔄 Updated: 11/22/2025, 5:00:58 PM
The 2025 Pew Research report highlights ongoing governmental scrutiny of X (formerly Twitter) amid its endurance in the U.S. social media market, particularly regarding data privacy and content moderation. Notably, in May 2022, Twitter was fined $150 million by the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice for violating a 2011 agreement by using users’ phone numbers and emails for targeted advertising without proper consent; the company was required to notify users and banned from profiting from such data moving forward[6]. While Pew’s 2025 data shows stable user percentages for X, regulatory concerns continue to focus on the platform’s content policies and data practices as competition grows.
🔄 Updated: 11/22/2025, 5:10:33 PM
Pew Research's 2025 report reveals X maintains a resilient 21% U.S. adult user base despite surging competition, with experts noting its "long, slow decline" rather than a collapse—especially as rivals like Threads and Bluesky hover below 10% adoption. Industry analysts point to X's entrenched position in real-time text-based social media, with one digital strategist telling TechCrunch, “X isn’t growing, but it’s not dying either—its staying power is a testament to the lack of truly disruptive alternatives.”
🔄 Updated: 11/22/2025, 5:20:31 PM
Pew Research’s 2025 report reveals that despite a surge in competing platforms, X (formerly Twitter) maintains a steady 21% U.S. adult user base, with experts noting its resilience in the real-time text space. “X’s grip remains firm, even as alternatives like Threads and Bluesky struggle to gain traction—only 8% and 4% of adults use those platforms, respectively,” said Sarah Perez of TechCrunch. Industry analysts point to X’s enduring appeal for political discourse and news, though concerns linger over its stagnating growth and declining youth engagement, with usage among 18-29-year-olds dropping from 42% to 33% in the past year.
🔄 Updated: 11/22/2025, 5:30:35 PM
Pew Research’s 2025 report reveals that **21% of U.S. adults currently use X**, maintaining a nearly stable user base despite growing competition from platforms like Threads (8%) and Bluesky (4%)[1][9]. Public reaction reflects cautious endurance; many users describe their experiences on X as “mostly positive or neutral,” appreciating it as a key source for real-time political news and updates, although younger demographics (18-29) are declining on the platform[7][3]. Republicans tend to use X more (24%) than Democrats (19%), indicating its persistent role in certain political segments despite broader social media shifts[11].
🔄 Updated: 11/22/2025, 5:40:38 PM
Pew Research’s 2025 report shows that consumer and public reaction to X’s endurance remains steady amid growing U.S. social media competition, with 21% of U.S. adults reporting use of X compared to 8% for Threads and 4% for Bluesky[1][3]. Many users appreciate X’s real-time news focus, with some describing their experience as “mostly positive or neutral,” while Republicans are now more likely (24%) to use X than Democrats (19%), reflecting its political niche[9][11]. Despite newer rivals emerging and some users drifting away due to content policy shifts, X’s grip on its core market of short, live-text posts endures with only a slow, gradual decline in usage over recent
🔄 Updated: 11/22/2025, 5:50:39 PM
Pew Research's 2025 report highlights X’s sustained usage among U.S. adults, with 21% reporting use, significantly outpacing competitors like Threads (8%) and Bluesky (4%) despite growing market entrants[1][3]. Experts note that while X's user base is experiencing a slow decline from 23% in 2021 to 21% in 2025, its niche dominance in real-time, short text updates remains robust amid increased competition and shifting user demographics[1][3]. Industry analysts emphasize that X’s resilience reflects its critical role in breaking news and political discourse, with one expert stating the platform’s "usefulness for breaking moments outweighs dissatisfaction for many users"[3].
🔄 Updated: 11/22/2025, 6:00:47 PM
The Pew Research Center’s 2025 report reveals that despite increased competition and regulatory scrutiny over content moderation, X (formerly Twitter) maintains a steady user base, with 21% of U.S. adults reporting use—only slightly down from 22% in 2023 and 23% in 2021. Lawmakers have cited the platform’s resilience in recent hearings, with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) stating, “X’s staying power shows why Congress must act swiftly on digital safety legislation, especially as alternative platforms struggle to gain traction.” Regulatory focus remains on transparency and accountability, as the Federal Trade Commission continues its review of X’s data privacy practices amid ongoing bipartisan concern.