Blog | February 13, 2025
Why we are leaving X

Oral Health Watch recognizes that the social media platforms we use are more than merely a way to share information and engage with people passionate about oral health and advancing health equity. They reflect our values and the kind community we wish to foster. The recent environment on X (formerly Twitter) has forced us to conclude that the platform’s current state no longer aligns with the community we seek to be a part of and our belief in inclusivity, honesty, safety, and mutual respect. That is why we have decided to leave X.

There is no doubt that X is a powerful communications tool and has allowed Oral Health Watch to broaden its reach and engage audiences throughout Washington state, the United States and beyond. With its enormous user base and cost-effective ability to connect with established organizations and health policy leaders, Oral Health Watch has participated in TweetChats, valuable information sharing, and connected with organizations and health policy leaders that have helped Oral Health Watch spread its messaging on the importance of oral health care access, and the integral role good oral health care plays in improving overall health and advancing a more equitable society.

However, X’s once thriving community is now mired in toxicity, disinformation, harmful conspiracy theories, and the proliferation of hateful and offensive content. Algorithms that once amplified voices that aimed to promote constructive conversations on improving oral health and addressing oral health inequities too often are instead intensifying misinformation and division. The dissolution of Twitter’s Trust and Safety Council that aimed to tamp down on misinformation and harmful content, and recently revised terms of services that allows X to analyze user content have raised serious concerns about privacy and brand safety. And it should be noted that in the past two years we’ve see numerous trusted organizations and individuals exit the platform, leaving the community further marred with division and extreme content.

For those concerned about our leaving X, we understand the hesitation and recognize the uncertainty in brings. However, we believe this is the right move for Oral Health Watch. It allows Oral Health Watch to stand against the spread of misinformation and harmful content while offering us an opportunity to focus our efforts on engaging partners, allies, friends and partners on emerging platforms.

Moving forward, we will continue to work with our coalition partners, like-minded organizations and individuals committed to advancing healthier communities in Washington state and beyond through improved oral health. We encourage our followers and partners to engage Oral Health Watch on our other social media platforms: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Threads and Blue Sky. You also can reach Oral Health Watch at our website: oralhealthwatch.org.