Report: Elon Musk Fired a Twitter Engineer Who Told Him His Popularity Was DecreasingAccording to the tech newsletter Platformer, Musk met with several engineers on Tuesday to discuss the Twitter algorithm.

ByEmily Rella

Getty Images

Elon Musk is not happy with his own algorithm at Twitter — and he reportedly fired an engineer who informed him that his reach and engagement were declining on the social media platform.

According to the tech newsletterPlatformer, Musk met with several engineers on Tuesday to discuss the algorithm and questioned his team as to why he appeared to be decreasing in popularity on the platform he purchased for $44 billion.

"This is ridiculous," Musk reportedly told the anonymous sources during the meeting. "I have more than 100 million followers, and I'm only getting tens of thousands of impressions."

According to the sources, one engineer whose name is being kept anonymous "in light of the harassment Musk has directed at former Twitter employees," told the Tesla and SpaceX CEO that it could potentially be due to the growing public fatigue over his antics on the social media platform.

The engineer reportedly showed Musk data from Google Trends that showed how Musk's popularity peaked in Google search rankings last April around the time he acquired Twitter and has been declining ever since.

The engineer was subsequently fired, per the report, though neither Musk nor Twitter has commented on the incident publicly.

Musk recently went private on Twitter for a short period of time in an attempt to test Twitter's algorithm after users claimed they were reaching higher engagement from followers after switching their accounts to private.

"This helped identify some issues with the system," Musk said following his short test. "Should be addressed by next week."

Musk is currently still serving as interim CEO of the company.

Emily Rella

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Science & Technology

The Barriers and Opportunities for Generative AI in Corporate Workplaces

Corporations are understandably wary of AI tools like ChatGPT, but it's possible to implement them successfully and safely.

Growing a Business

This Is the Real Reason Why Your Marketing Isn't Resonating

Let's find out what could be the marketing misstep that's costing your business valuable sales and potential growth — and how you can make sure you turn that around.

Business News

Airlines Know Their Boarding Process Is Excruciatingly Inefficient. Here's Why They Won't Change It.

One of the most frustrating parts of air travel isn't likely to get better anytime soon.

Business News

'Treat People the Way You Want to be Treated': Pilot Goes Viral For Rant Directed at 'Selfish' Passengers

The American Airlines pilot wasn't tolerating any unruly behavior.

Money & Finance

Want to Become a Millionaire? Follow Warren Buffett's 4 Rules.

企业家是不能过度指雷竞技手机版望太多a company exit for their eventual 'win.' Do this instead.

Marketing

4 Ways Creators Are Revolutionizing Marketing — and How Big Brands Can Benefit

With their unique ability to genuinely connect with audiences, creators have carved out niche marketing strategies that radically differ from traditional approaches. It's time big brands take notice.