Nic Carter analyzes X platform algorithm changes: a new dilemma for creators and user rights

Recently, Nic Carter, partner at the crypto investment fund Castle Island Ventures, delved into the profound impact of platform algorithm mechanisms on social media platform X through a discussion on social media platform X. This discussion sparked important reflections on platform governance, creator rights, and user experience. According to Odaily, Carter’s observations hit a core issue in the current content ecosystem.

The Trade-offs Behind Algorithm Optimization: Growth vs. Stability

The “Pour Vous” recommendation algorithm on platform X is designed with a clear goal—maximizing the time users spend on the platform. This strategy-driven change has led to unexpected consequences. Nic Carter pointed out that when the platform shifts its optimization focus from maintaining stable connections between creators and audiences to increasing overall user engagement, the entire content distribution ecosystem begins to become unbalanced. In simple terms, the platform no longer prioritizes pushing content to followers who already follow the creator but instead favors content that is more likely to generate interactions to retain users.

The Real Dilemma Faced by Creators

This algorithm adjustment has foreseeable impacts on the creative ecosystem. The “fan coverage” that creators originally relied on becomes unstable—even with hundreds of thousands of followers, there’s no guarantee that their content will consistently reach these users. This unpredictability directly affects creators’ income stability and content planning capabilities. Meanwhile, ordinary users also find themselves unable to receive updates from followed accounts as they wish, instead being pushed content deemed “more engaging” by the algorithm. Both sides find themselves in a passive situation.

The Call for Digital Ownership: Transparency and Rights Protection

Faced with these challenges, Nic Carter foresees a new direction for industry discussion—digital ownership. This concept involves more than data privacy; it deeply concerns three core rights: transparency of algorithm rules, the right for creators to directly reach their fans, and users’ right to choose the content they receive. Carter believes that future platform competition will revolve around these rights. Platforms that can offer more control to creators and users will gain a competitive advantage.

This discussion reminds us that in the era of growth-driven algorithms, protecting the fundamental rights of all participants is equally important. Nic Carter’s views on digital ownership not only reflect the real pain points of the current creative ecosystem but also point toward possible future directions for platform governance.