The City of St. John’s is axing its X accounts, saying the social media platform no longer reflects its core values of positivity and respect.
Council’s committee of the whole unanimously supported the move yesterday, following a growing trend, and paving the way for approval at next week’s regular public meeting.
It was part of a request by Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary for a review of the city’s social media channels, as well as U.S. goods and services, including X, the former Twitter, in light of escalating trade tensions.
Staff found that Facebook is by far the city’s most effective social media tool, while use of X continues to decline.
(File photo.)
O’Leary, who along with other councillors deactivated their X accounts long ago, says dumping it is a no-brainer, given the current discourse.
“It’s so important to get information out there but misinformation and abuse of information and harassment and these things are very problematic,” she said. “So I’m very happy to support this recommendation. I think it’s something that will help decrease some of the anxiety and misinformation that we’ve all been party to, including and especially the public.”
The city is considering the new Bluesky platform, which the province has joined while still holding about 20 accounts on X.
The city is encouraging residents to sign up for automatic email alerts and advisories regarding city issues and and events, as an alternative.
They also note the city’s What’s Happening page on Facebook continues to gain traction.
