Olumuyiwa Igbalajobi, an X user, shared his frustration with spam messages on X. His grievances are among many that encounter the same challenge on the platform. X (formerly Twitter) has been positioned to be a prominent social media platform with 600 million monthly active users globally as of 2025. Nevertheless, since the billionaire, Elon Musk, took over X, reports show that there has been an increase in the spam messages people receive in their direct messages and on their feeds. In some instances, users are constantly inundated with spam messages from bots and even hacked accounts. In other cases, users receive offers from fake accounts offering them opportunities such as jobs, cryptocurrency and unsolicited nude pictures.
This act undermined the essence and purpose of using an X account. X’s guidelines specifically address spam by prohibiting the use of the platform to artificially amplify or suppress information, as well as any behaviour that manipulates or disrupts the user experience. Despite the important role social media plays in the exchange of information between users, and the guidelines outlined, it has been the target for spam messages. Spamming is not likely to only affect X; it also cuts across other social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
What is Spam, and how does it happen on X?
These are recurrent, unsolicited messages that hinder the user’s experience of people while using an X account. According to X, any spam messages initiated by any account are mostly regarded as platform manipulation, which goes against the rules of X. Most times, spam on X can occur in the following ways.
- Unclear content: messages and posts that direct users somewhere else when clicked on.
- Coordinated Bot accounts that manipulate people through engagement.
- A Fake Account that automates responses and influences discussion.
Aside from the above-listed means of spamming, spam messages infiltrate Twitter through spam bot accounts.
Spam Bot accounts on X
Spam Bot accounts on X are automated user accounts programmed to post, reply, like, follow, or message in large volumes primarily to spread spam content. Also, they are mostly fake accounts that try to replicate genuine users. While some are automated, others are not necessarily automated. They are being controlled by a real user. Their goal is often to manipulate conversations, mislead users, or promote scams, products, or links. They usually share posts through DMs as well.
Bot accounts can be challenging for users on Twitter as many of them promote scams by asking people to join a group, Ponzi cryptocurrency schemes, or promote illicit activities. They mostly turn out to share disinformation and also share links that can lead to phishing.
In 2024, Dig Watch finds that an investigation by Global Witness revealed that bot-like accounts on the social media platform X have been spreading misinformation and hate ahead of Britain’s election and are now targeting US politics. These accounts, active since late May, generated over four billion impressions and have since shifted focus to significant events related to the presidential election in November.
Spotting a spam account on X
- Spam accounts randomly become followers: They usually follow accounts randomly, not for a special purpose, but to spam users with suspicious responses. For instance, they offer links for giveaways that redirect users from the X platform to unknown websites.
- Their profiles appear randomly generated: Spam accounts are often incomplete, and they usually have a strange identity.
- Suspicious Username: Their username always comprises letters and numbers.
How to limit spam messages on X
Go to your notifications page and click the settings button. Then click filters and muted notifications. You will see a list called “mute notifications from people,” selected according to your preferences. Another way to stop receiving spam messages is to report them to X. Spamming goes against rule X and can lead to blocking such accounts.
Spam messages on X have become a growing concern, disrupting user experience and undermining the platform’s credibility. From fake job offers to deceptive links, spam bots and fake accounts continue to exploit unsuspecting users. While X has policies to combat these threats, users must also take proactive steps such as filtering notifications and reporting suspicious activity to protect themselves and maintain a safer online environment.
Samad Uthman, a digital investigative journalist with AFP, explains the disturbing surge in spam messages on X, often laced with phishing links, crypto scams, or AI-generated misinformation. He noted that these nuisances, which erode trust in digital spaces, manipulate public discourse and sometimes endanger vulnerable users. “Twitter’s reduction in moderation and evolving API policies have only emboldened bad actors”. Samad said, adding that the suggested platform urgently needs stronger detection systems and transparent enforcement to safeguard its integrity.
