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Editorial Evaluation Essay

Bobana Simic

School of Business and Management, City University of Seattle

BC 301: Critical Thinking

Dr. Gabriel Oreandin

December 2, 2023
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"Why would Elon Musk want to deliberately destroy X”

The article "Why would Elon Musk want to deliberately destroy X" by Arwa Mahdawi,

published in December 2023, is a piece of writing where the author asks about the reasons for

Elon Musk's behavior. The author wonders why Musk is acting a certain way in a recent event,

openly questioning if his narcissism is the cause, neglecting rational thinking, or if he actually

intends to destroy/sabotage platform X. In this work, there is an evaluation of this editorial, and

arguments, facts, assumptions, and conclusions are presented.

Presentation of Facts:

The main topic of the article is a recent public incident involving Elon Musk. At the New York

Times Deal Book Summit, Musk supported a conspiracy theory, resulting in a loss of $75

million.

Analysis of Arguments:

The author presents the following arguments:

The author criticizes Musk's speaking style, accusing platform users, while pointing out that the

problem lies in inadequate platform management.

The author questions Musk's qualifications to make decisions, emphasizing that advertiser

departures are a result of problematic/bizarre platform content.

Assumptions:

The article considers Musk's attitude towards free speech as a possible reason for the potential

destruction of Twitter. The author also suggests that Musk's actions may be driven by a

narcissistic ego, without a hidden ambiguous plan. Another assumption is that Musk may want to
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turn Twitter into a right-wing platform or simply find a new way to make money. These

assumptions are open for discussion.

Assessment of Logical Errors:

Throughout this text, the author is clear, and no logical errors are identified. The arguments are

truthful, Musk's description is highlighted, and the situation is explained without ambiguity,

generalizations, or hasty conclusions.

Conclusion:

The editorial provides an opportunity to understand all of Musk's actions and assumptions

regarding his desire to control platform X. The evaluation of his actions is presented, allowing

readers to see facts, arguments, assumptions, and conclusions, providing a chance to understand

the situation correctly.

Based on everything mentioned, readers are left free to conclude whether Elon Musk actually

wants to destroy Twitter or if all of this is part of a marketing trick to create something more

profitable. A third possibility is also left open: perhaps it's just his ego and narcissism at play.

The article hints at a conspiracy theory, making it more interesting and sparking a desire for

further reading and exploration of the topic.

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References

Mahdawi, A. (2023, December 2). Why would Elon Musk want to deliberately destroy X? The

Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/02/elon-musk-x-

advertisers-week-in-patriarchyBlankenship, B. T. (2007). The Stress Process in Physical

Education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 78(6), 39-44.

https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2007.10598040