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Ryanair CEO Calls X a 'Failed Social Network'

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. ryanair-ceo-calls-x-a-failed-social-network.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, March 22nd 2026 at 11:57 GMT by CNN
      Locales: IRELAND, UNITED STATES

Dublin, Ireland - March 22nd, 2026 - Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary didn't mince words today, publicly dismissing Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) as a "failed social network" during a presentation of the airline's robust annual results. The outspoken executive made the blunt assessment, echoing growing concerns within the advertising industry regarding the platform's trajectory since Musk's controversial acquisition in 2022.

Speaking to investors, O'Leary stated, "X is a failed social network. It's not attracting the eyeballs, and it's certainly not attracting the advertisers." These remarks come as Ryanair announced a substantial jump in annual profits, significantly surpassing analyst expectations - a stark contrast to the financial headwinds facing X.

The acquisition of Twitter by Musk two years ago was immediately met with skepticism, and the subsequent rebranding to "X" only intensified the debate. Initial enthusiasm quickly gave way to a period of instability marked by drastic changes to content moderation policies, the reinstatement of previously banned accounts, and a shift towards a subscription-based model for certain features. These changes, while intended to reshape the platform, have demonstrably alienated many advertisers and users.

The exodus of advertisers has been particularly damaging. Concerns over brand safety - stemming from the proliferation of misinformation and hate speech under Musk's relaxed content policies - prompted major corporations to pause or completely withdraw their advertising spend from the platform. While Musk has repeatedly asserted his commitment to free speech, critics argue that this has come at the cost of a responsible and safe online environment.

Musk himself has been vocal about the platform's financial difficulties, acknowledging the significant revenue decline following the advertiser pullout. He's implemented numerous strategies to revitalize X, including the introduction of features like long-form posts, video integration, and a revised verification system ("X Premium"). These efforts, however, haven't yet translated into a consistent return to profitability or user growth. Current data suggests daily active users have decreased by roughly 15% since the takeover.

Industry analysts suggest that X is facing an uphill battle in the increasingly competitive social media landscape. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook continue to dominate user attention and advertising revenue, offering more stable and predictable environments for brands. The rise of niche social networks is also fragmenting the market, further challenging X's ability to regain its former prominence.

O'Leary's commentary, known for its directness, reflects a wider sentiment among business leaders who are questioning the long-term viability of X as an effective marketing channel. While many companies remain cautiously optimistic, the lack of demonstrable improvement in X's performance is fueling doubts.

Ryanair, conversely, is enjoying a period of success. The low-cost airline benefited from strong travel demand throughout 2025, capitalizing on the post-pandemic recovery and offering competitive fares. The airline's consistent focus on cost control and operational efficiency has allowed it to weather economic uncertainties and deliver impressive financial results. The strong performance allows O'Leary a degree of freedom in offering his opinions, something he is well known for.

Experts predict that X needs to demonstrate a clear path to profitability and regain the trust of advertisers in the coming months. Failure to do so could result in a continued decline in user numbers and revenue, potentially leading to further restructuring or even a sale. The platform's future remains uncertain, and O'Leary's blunt assessment serves as a stark reminder of the challenges it faces.