- Nikita Bier, X’s head of product, faces backlash after an algorithm change that disrupted crypto-focused conversations on the platform.
- Users report a greater-than-10x spike in bot activity and reduced reach for many crypto accounts.
- A viral allegation claimed Bier said common greetings like “gm” were “wasting all their reach,” fueling anger on Crypto Twitter.
- Bier has posted responses and then deleted them, and users circulated screenshots of the removed messages.
- Bier is an adviser to the Solana Foundation, which announced a crypto integration with X as the controversy unfolded; Solana publicly called the algorithm “broken.”
Nikita Bier, X’s head of product, is facing criticism after a recent change to the platform’s recommendation algorithm disrupted crypto-focused conversations since Friday. The shift coincided with a sharp rise in bot activity and widespread complaints from users on Crypto Twitter.
Observers say bot activity spiked more than 10x and many crypto accounts reported losing reach. Elon Musk said he would open source the recommendation algorithm “to help you understand what changed.”
The issue drew viral attention after an allegation circulated claiming Bier believed common greetings such as “gm” were harming reach. A number of users amplified the post and gave Bier the nickname “Nikita Boar”.
Artists and influencers reported sharp drops in engagement. One cartoonist bemoaned the change, writing “I only post a couple of times a day, and my reach has been obliterated.” The same artist later illustrated the reaction, drawing Bier stabbing a user in the back.
Several users publicly criticized the For You tab for promoting politics and low-quality material. One user summarized the recommendations as “murder and slop.” Another wrote “It’s pretty clear that the new algorithm is destroying the platform.” Forensic researcher ZachXBT also complained about bot accommodation.
Nikita Bier has responded to some complaints but removed many of his posts, prompting users to share screenshots and ephemeral captures of his messages. Bier’s profile shows he advises the Solana Foundation. At the same time, Solana announced a crypto integration with X and later tweeted “The algorithm is broken. The shipping is not. The builders are busy.”
Users highlighted the timing and potential conflict of interest. One account spelled out the connection, writing “Funny that Solana says the algorithm is broken when the guy who controls the algorithm is an advisor to Solana.” Another agreed, calling Bier’s response “Peak condescension from the guy who should fix it.” Others echoed concerns about suppression of crypto content, linking to posts like this complaint and a related claim.
Additional user reactions and discussions can be found in related posts, including a wide thread of similar complaints here and further commentary here. For original source posts, see the tweets and links cited above.
For contact and further updates from the publisher, see Protos on X, Google News, and YouTube.
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