In recent weeks, many people and organisations have taken the decision to step away from Twitter (now X), citing growing concerns about misinformation, toxicity, and the platform’s declining relevance. It’s a conversation many of us in the arts sector have been having, including within FMTW.
Twitter, once a vibrant space for sharing ideas and connecting within and across industries, has undeniably changed, leaving a growing sense of frustration for those trying to engage meaningfully within an increasingly fractious environment.
FMTW has been paying close attention to these discussions. As a platform, over the years, however flawed its previous incarnations, Twitter played an important role for us in connecting freelancers, amplifying voices, and providing real-time updates on opportunities, industry news, and key issues. As we approach half a decade of activity in this space, we’ve reached millions of people.
However, we acknowledge that the platform Twitter provides is no longer what it once was. It has increasingly become a space riddled with toxic language and behaviour, seemingly deliberate misinformation, and algorithms which suppress genuine free speech, while claiming to do the opposite. The decision by so many to leave is fully justified, and we respect and understand that choice.
So why are we, for the time being, staying?
Many theatre freelancers still rely on Twitter as their primary source of information. It’s a space where quick, timely updates are delivered - especially crucial for those who don’t always have direct access to the inner workings of the industry. We know that many freelancers already feel out of the loop as a result of the often isolating nature of freelance work. For them and us, Twitter has been, and remains, a vital tool to stay informed, connected, and heard.
At FMTW, our mission is to listen to, support, and advocate for freelancers' voices, in an industry that often leaves us feeling excluded.
The issues presented by Twitter’s present direction show no signs of being resolved - in fact, quite the opposite. However, engagement data currently shows that our presence on Twitter is still helping ensure freelancers have access to important information and community engagement. So we will continue to post updates, share relevant news, and provide a sense of belonging as long as there are freelancers who still depend on it.
We are constantly reviewing our approach to communication, and if it becomes clear that the vast majority of freelancers have taken to other channels, we will reconsider our use of Twitter. We’ll also be keeping a close eye on whether our presence on Twitter, and other social media platforms, is consistent with our values and our commitment to being an anti-racist organisation.
We always encourage you to stay connected with us on multiple platforms - whether it’s through our website, newsletter, or other social media platforms. We will try to meet freelancers where they are, and by the same principle, respond to the message sent by freelancers’ actions.
For the time being, FMTW will continue to provide a presence on Twitter for the freelancers who need it, while we also continually explore additional ways to strengthen our communication, striving to ensure all freelancers remain in the loop.
In the last few days we have set up an account on Bluesky which you can follow here and you can still find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Threads.
We are here to listen, support and advocate, no matter where the conversation is taking place.
