X, the shape-shifting social media giant (formerly known as Twitter), seems to have pulled off a digital magic trick that could rival any superhero blockbuster. When you try to visit some websites, it's as if they clicked the "slow-mo" button, resulting in a five-second suspense-filled delay. But don't worry, this isn't some dark supervillain scheme - it's simply Elon Musk, the man behind X, having fun with the internet.
Consider this: you're traveling along X, trying to keep up with the latest juicy scoop from The New York Times or skimming through Instagram photos. Your internet adventure abruptly comes to a halt, and your screen stops like a deer caught in headlights. This occurred to courageous netizens attempting to access these websites and other unlucky targets such as Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, Reuters, and Substack. It's like X pulled a classic prank on the digital highway, leaving users scratching their heads in confusion.
But here's the twist: all the slow-mo websites had one thing in common: they were on Elon Musk's "not-so-favorite" list. The guy has been known to criticize these websites, and now it appears he's upping the annoyance level. Who knew Mr. Musk had a dark side?
Before you start feeling terrible for these websites, consider this: a five-second delay may not seem like much, but it's almost an eternity in internet time. Users these days are as eager as a child on Christmas morning, and if a website takes longer than a sneeze to load, they're already gone faster than you can say "hyperspeed."
Not to mention the dramatic twist in this digital drama. Other key companies like YouTube and Fox News drink digital smoothies unfazed by the slow-mo antics. It's as if they're in another movie where buffering and lag are just myths.
But hold on, there's more! Twitter's previous trust and safety guardian (now known as Bluesky) chipped in with some technical insight. He warned that even a single-second delay may cause individuals to reconsider their life choices - or, at the very least, their online selections. Delays appear to activate this subconscious panic button, causing people to abandon a sluggish website faster than a racing bullet.
To add to the suspense, Mark Zuckerberg, the Meta universe's captain, raised an eyebrow in response to a Threads post about the entire incident. It's like a scene from a superhero movie, with Musk and Zuckerberg exchanging cryptic emoticons in cyberspace.
And if you thought this was a one-time joke, think again. This isn't Musk's first rodeo with his digital pranks. He's previously slammed and banned connections to competitors, and he even stole a verification checkmark from The New York Times like a digital prize thief.
As the digital curtain lowers on this oddball story, X remains tight-lipped, continuing its practice of selective reticence since Musk took over. The online carnival continues, and no one knows what crazy performance Mr. Musk will do next. One thing is certain: the internet will continue to spin, websites will load (at some point), and the Musk-versus-the-World saga will keep us engaged. Welcome to the ever-enthralling world of X and its mischievous maestro, Elon Musk.
Read next: The Great Twitter-to-X Transition: A Discovery Dilemma
Consider this: you're traveling along X, trying to keep up with the latest juicy scoop from The New York Times or skimming through Instagram photos. Your internet adventure abruptly comes to a halt, and your screen stops like a deer caught in headlights. This occurred to courageous netizens attempting to access these websites and other unlucky targets such as Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, Reuters, and Substack. It's like X pulled a classic prank on the digital highway, leaving users scratching their heads in confusion.
But here's the twist: all the slow-mo websites had one thing in common: they were on Elon Musk's "not-so-favorite" list. The guy has been known to criticize these websites, and now it appears he's upping the annoyance level. Who knew Mr. Musk had a dark side?
Before you start feeling terrible for these websites, consider this: a five-second delay may not seem like much, but it's almost an eternity in internet time. Users these days are as eager as a child on Christmas morning, and if a website takes longer than a sneeze to load, they're already gone faster than you can say "hyperspeed."
Not to mention the dramatic twist in this digital drama. Other key companies like YouTube and Fox News drink digital smoothies unfazed by the slow-mo antics. It's as if they're in another movie where buffering and lag are just myths.
But hold on, there's more! Twitter's previous trust and safety guardian (now known as Bluesky) chipped in with some technical insight. He warned that even a single-second delay may cause individuals to reconsider their life choices - or, at the very least, their online selections. Delays appear to activate this subconscious panic button, causing people to abandon a sluggish website faster than a racing bullet.
To add to the suspense, Mark Zuckerberg, the Meta universe's captain, raised an eyebrow in response to a Threads post about the entire incident. It's like a scene from a superhero movie, with Musk and Zuckerberg exchanging cryptic emoticons in cyberspace.
And if you thought this was a one-time joke, think again. This isn't Musk's first rodeo with his digital pranks. He's previously slammed and banned connections to competitors, and he even stole a verification checkmark from The New York Times like a digital prize thief.
As the digital curtain lowers on this oddball story, X remains tight-lipped, continuing its practice of selective reticence since Musk took over. The online carnival continues, and no one knows what crazy performance Mr. Musk will do next. One thing is certain: the internet will continue to spin, websites will load (at some point), and the Musk-versus-the-World saga will keep us engaged. Welcome to the ever-enthralling world of X and its mischievous maestro, Elon Musk.
Read next: The Great Twitter-to-X Transition: A Discovery Dilemma
