Swinney also emphasized the importance of responsible communication and highlighted his desire to keep Scotland welcoming and supportive of refugees, distancing from prejudiced rhetoric.

The article underscores the growing role of social media in modern politics, from campaign spending to voter engagement, even as traditional campaigning methods remain relevant.

Public figures face ethical and strategic decisions when choosing social media platforms, balancing outreach goals with potential reputational risks associated with harmful rhetoric.

There is a noticeable shift in news consumption from print and TV to online sources, with social media becoming increasingly dominant, although platforms like X still lag behind Facebook and YouTube.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney publicly criticized Elon Musk, calling him a 'malign influence' after Musk's involvement in a recent UK rally where violence occurred, and he expressed concern about Musk and other figures spreading prejudice and societal tension.

Swinney's decision to consider boycotting X reflects a broader debate about social media’s influence on politics, including issues of misinformation, responsible engagement, and platform moderation.

Despite the emergence of alternative platforms like BlueSky, Mastodon, and Threads, their impact remains limited, and siloed communities may deepen political polarization.

Transparency and alignment with personal and constituency values are crucial for politicians when deciding whether to engage with platforms like X.

Swinney and the SNP have historically relied heavily on social media for campaigning, but they are now questioning whether platforms like X are beneficial or harmful to political discourse.

While Swinney might eventually step back from X, his party will continue to use social media extensively, especially with an upcoming election on the horizon.

The debate around social media’s impact includes concerns about whether it accurately reflects society or distorts it, with some outlets like The Guardian abandoning the platform due to toxicity.

Swinney’s reaction highlights concerns among politicians about their public image and credibility when engaging with platforms associated with controversial or offensive content.

His concerns also extend to the influence of far-right extremism, which social media can amplify, linking this to recent violent events and political confrontations.