Irish Quakers Join Global Exodus from X (Formerly Twitter), Citing Platform’s Misinformation and Incompatibility with Core Values
The Religious Society of Friends in Ireland, widely recognized as the Quakers, have announced their departure from Elon Musk’s social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. This decision aligns with a broader movement among Quaker organizations worldwide, dubbed the "Twitter eXodus," driven by concerns regarding the platform’s escalating levels of misinformation and its perceived incompatibility with Quaker principles. The Irish Quakers join a growing chorus of voices expressing unease with the direction of the platform under Musk’s ownership.
Will Haire, the Ireland Yearly Meeting Clerk, articulated the reasoning behind this decision, emphasizing the Quakers’ commitment to their core testimonies of integrity, peace, equality, and simplicity. He stated that leaving X allows them to better uphold these values and engage on platforms that foster constructive dialogue and respect for human dignity. This move resonates with the theme of "Ubuntu" – humanity to others – which has been a central focus for Quakers globally in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of George Fox, the founder of Quakerism.
Mary McNeill, Ireland Yearly Meeting Recording Clerk, further elaborated on the challenges Quakers faced on the platform. She highlighted the increasing difficulty of maintaining a constructive presence amidst the proliferation of misinformation and harmful content since Musk’s acquisition of X. McNeill emphasized that this environment does not align with the principles that guide Quakers in their daily lives and has been a source of ongoing concern for many years among Quaker communities in Ireland, Britain, and around the world. She suggested alternative platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky as better aligning with their values.
The Quakers’ departure from X underscores the growing tension between social media platforms and organizations seeking to maintain a positive and ethical online presence. The increasing prevalence of misinformation, hate speech, and divisive content has prompted many individuals and groups to re-evaluate their participation on certain platforms. The Quakers’ decision reflects a broader trend of users prioritizing online spaces that promote healthy communication and values-based engagement.
Numbering approximately 1,500 across the island of Ireland, the Quakers represent a small but influential religious minority. Their history in Ireland dates back to 1654, with the first recorded meeting held in Lurgan, County Armagh. Rooted in Christian beliefs, Quakers are renowned for their pacifism, their commitment to social justice, and their active involvement in humanitarian efforts. Their historical presence in Ireland has left a lasting legacy, with prominent Quaker families contributing significantly to various industries, including tea, biscuits, jam, and cotton manufacturing.
The Quakers’ rich history in Ireland extends to notable figures like Sir Ernest Shackleton, the renowned Antarctic explorer, whose ancestor founded the Quaker school at Ballitore, County Kildare. This school, which operated from 1726 to 1847, even educated prominent figures like Paul Cullen, Ireland’s first Cardinal Archbishop of Dublin. The Quakers’ influence also stretches across the Atlantic, with former US president Richard Nixon tracing his ancestry back to Timahoe, County Laois. Globally, the Quaker community comprises an estimated 350,000 individuals. Their departure from X signifies a thoughtful consideration of the digital landscape and its impact on their core values. It also serves as an example of how organizations can prioritize ethical engagement in the online sphere.