Social media
“Don’t leave it to screamers”: Habeck back to X
Updated on November 7, 2024Reading time: 2 min.
Twitter is a very hard medium, divisive and polarizing, and that also rubs off on him: Robert Habeck announced his departure from the online network at the beginning of 2019. Now he’s back.
He’s back: Almost six years after his departure from Twitter and Facebook, Robert Habeck has returned to Platform X. “Leaving places like this to the loudmouths and populists is easy. But making it easy for yourself can’t be the solution. Not today. Not this week. Not this time. That’s why I’m back on X,” says one Post from the Green Party politician and Federal Minister of Economics. The “Handelsblatt” initially reported on Habeck’s return to the platform.
He had previously intoned his return with the saying “Back for good”, in German roughly “finally back”. According to dpa information, the posts are authentic. Robert Habeck now also has an account on Instagram. It is expected that the Economics Minister will officially announce his application for the Green Party’s top or chancellor candidacy before the Green Party conference next week.
In another post, Habeck can be seen editing a text manuscript. In the background there is a calendar on which November 8th, Friday, is outlined in red. He also hums the melody of Herbert Grönemeyer’s hit “Time for something to turn around”. The post is titled “Different from here on out” – the title of a book by Habeck.
At the beginning of 2019, Habeck, then still leader of the Green Party, announced under the heading “Bye bye, Twitter and Facebook” that he would be closing his accounts on Facebook and Twitter. He was drawing the conclusions from anger over election campaign tweets and a data theft that led to the dissemination of private information.
Habeck said at the time that Twitter was a “very hard medium where there was divisive and polarizing talk,” and that also rubbed off on him. Billionaire Elon Musk has since taken over Twitter and renamed it X, and polarization has increased significantly since then.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Social Media Expert Dr. Emily Richter
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Dr. Richter! We appreciate your time today to discuss the recent return of Robert Habeck to social media, specifically Platform X. His departure nearly six years ago and his subsequent return has stirred quite a conversation. What do you make of his statement about not wanting to leave the platform “to the loudmouths and populists”?
Dr. Emily Richter: Good morning! It’s a fascinating topic. Habeck’s return signals a recognition of the reality that social media, especially platforms like X, play a pivotal role in contemporary political discourse. By stating he doesn’t want to leave the space to “loudmouths,” he acknowledges a common fear among many political figures: that disengaging allows more extreme voices to dominate.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. In his post, he mentioned that “making it easy for yourself can’t be the solution.” That seems to indicate a shift in strategy. How important is it for politicians to engage on social media, given its polarizing nature?
Dr. Emily Richter: Engaging on social media is crucial for modern politicians. It’s where the conversations happen. While platforms like X can be divisive, they also provide a direct line to constituents. Politicians like Habeck need to navigate this space to craft narratives, challenge misinformation, and present their policies. Ignoring it may lead to a vacuum where more extreme viewpoints flourish unchecked.
Time.news Editor: That raises an interesting point about the tone of the discourse online. Do you believe that civil discourse can still thrive on such a polarizing platform?
Dr. Emily Richter: It’s challenging, but not impossible. Politicians can be instruments of change by promoting constructive dialogue. Habeck’s return, with a focus on meaningful engagement rather than sensationalism, could set a precedent. The challenge lies in whether he, and others like him, can withstand the onslaught of vitriol and contribute positively without getting drawn into the divisive fray.
Time.news Editor: Given that he had expressed concerns about the toxicity of social media before his departure, what might this indicate about his current strategy?
Dr. Emily Richter: It suggests a proactive approach. Instead of shying away from the complex landscape of social media, he seems to be advocating for a more responsible use of the platform. This could include engaging with diverse audiences, addressing grievances directly, and using humor or compassion to quell toxic interactions. It’s about reframing the narrative to foster understanding and less polarization.
Time.news Editor: That’s a thought-provoking perspective. He also mentioned it’s not easy to engage in this space. What advice would you give to public figures as they navigate this digital landscape?
Dr. Emily Richter: My advice would be to approach engagement with authenticity and transparency. They should focus on listening as much as speaking. Creating space for dialogue can build trust. Additionally, maintaining a sense of humor can humanize them in the public eye, making difficult conversations more approachable. Ultimately, balance is key—being firm on principles while staying open to other opinions.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Richter! Your insights shed light on the complex relationship between politicians and social media. As Habeck steps back into this arena, we’ll be watching closely to see how he balances dialogue and the often divisive environment on Platform X.
Dr. Emily Richter: Thank you for having me! It will be interesting to observe his journey and the impact it might have on other politicians in the future.