Introduction to X’s AI-Powered Custom Feeds and the End of Communities
X has swapped its old Communities feature for new AI-powered custom feeds. Now, Grok, X’s in-house AI, builds timelines for each user based on what it guesses you’ll like or find useful. Ads are woven right into these feeds, making them part of the experience instead of tucked away. This change isn’t just about how you see posts—it’s a major shift in how X delivers content and connects people. The big question: does this move make X better, or does it lose something important along the way? [Source: TechCrunch]
How AI-Powered Custom Feeds Transform User Experience on X
Grok’s custom feeds watch what you click, how long you stay on posts, and even what you skip. Based on your habits, the AI builds a timeline full of things it thinks you’ll want to see. This is a big step up from Communities, where you joined groups to see posts around certain topics. Now, the AI brings the topics to you.
On the plus side, you get a feed that feels more personal. You might see posts about your favorite sports team, new tech gadgets, or funny memes, all mixed together. Browsing is smoother because you don’t have to jump between groups or search through clutter. It’s like your own highlight reel, made just for you.
But there’s a flip side. When the AI picks everything, you lose control. You can’t always choose what topics you want to follow, and sometimes the feed might miss things you care about. The AI is like a DJ who never takes requests. This can be good if you want less noise, but it’s risky if you want to explore new ideas or connect with people outside your usual interests.
Some users worry about the loss of choice. When you rely on AI, you trust it to do the thinking for you. If the algorithm is off, you miss out. And if it favors certain topics, you might end up with a feed that feels narrow or repetitive. That’s the trade-off: more tailored content, but less freedom to pick what matters most to you.
The Impact of Replacing Communities on User Interaction and Engagement
Communities on X helped people find others who shared their passions—like crypto, birdwatching, or parenting tips. You could join a group, post questions, and get answers from folks who cared about the same things. These spaces encouraged niche conversations and helped users build connections.
Now, with Communities gone, users depend on AI to bring them together. The AI might show you posts about things you like, but it doesn’t always help you find new friends or dig deep into shared topics. You scroll through a feed, but you don’t always interact with people who are experts or fans.
This change risks making X less social. When you lose Communities, you might see fewer unique posts and more of the same old content. The AI can create echo chambers, where you only see ideas you already agree with. Over time, this could shrink the variety of opinions and limit the chance to learn something new. People might feel less connected or find it harder to discover hidden gems.
User feedback so far is mixed. Some love the cleaner, more focused timelines, while others miss the old group feel. They say it’s harder to find special interests or join lively chats. The shift is big, and it will take time for everyone to adjust. [Source: TechCrunch]
Monetization and Advertising: New Ad Slots in AI-Curated Feeds
X’s custom feeds now come with new ad slots, right inside the scroll. These ads are chosen by AI, matched to your likes and habits. Advertisers hope this makes their ads more useful—and more likely to get clicks.
AI-driven ads mean better targeting. If you search for running shoes, you might start seeing shoe ads in your feed. This helps companies reach the right people and could boost X’s profits. For users, ads might feel less random and more relevant.
Still, there are worries. Some fear X will pack feeds with too many ads, making the site feel crowded or commercial. Others wonder about privacy. If AI studies your every move, it collects lots of data to serve ads. That can make people uneasy, especially if they don’t know how their info is being used.
X faces a tough balance: make money from ads, but keep feeds enjoyable. Too many ads could push people away. Smart targeting helps, but only if users feel safe and in control.
Broader Implications for Social Media Platforms Embracing AI Curation
X isn’t the only company turning to AI for content curation. Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram all use algorithms to shape what you see. The goal is to keep users engaged and make browsing easier. But there are trade-offs.
AI efficiency means posts are faster to find and more likely to match your interests. But when platforms rely on algorithms, they sometimes lose the “community vibe.” People don’t always know why they see certain posts, and it can feel impersonal. The risk is that feeds become too predictable or promote only popular views.
Transparency matters. If users don’t understand how the AI works, they might distrust the platform. Algorithmic bias is also a problem. AI can accidentally favor some topics or groups, leaving others out. When users don’t feel heard, they’re less likely to stay or share.
Social media companies must be careful. They need to explain how AI makes choices and give users ways to tweak their feeds. Letting people set preferences or filter topics helps keep feeds personal and diverse.
Looking ahead, platforms like X could experiment with hybrid models—mixing AI curation with user-driven tools. For example, you might get a feed shaped by AI, but also join smaller groups for deeper chats. Companies that listen to feedback and keep improving AI will win trust.
AI is powerful, but it’s not perfect. Platforms should watch for blind spots and make sure users can find new voices, not just what’s popular. As AI grows, social media needs to keep a human touch—so people still feel connected, not just targeted.
Conclusion: Balancing Innovation and User-Centric Values in X’s New Era
X’s move to AI-powered custom feeds offers speed and personalization, but it comes at a cost. Users get more relevant posts, but lose the freedom and community spirit of old group chats. Ads are smarter, but privacy is a concern.
The key is balance. X needs to keep feeds fresh and useful, but also let users stay in charge. Listening to feedback, adding controls, and keeping communities alive will shape its future. As X and other platforms lean into AI, they must remember: social media works best when people feel seen and heard—by both the algorithm and each other.
Why It Matters
- X's shift to AI-powered feeds changes how users discover and interact with content.
- The removal of Communities reduces user control and may limit exposure to diverse topics.
- Integrated ads in custom feeds could reshape how advertisers reach audiences on the platform.
