Document Type
Report
Publication Date
2025
Journal / Book Title
The Joetta Di Bella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication
Abstract
A joint study from Montclair State University faculty in the Joetta Di Bella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication in the School of Communication and Media and the Department of Justice Studies shows that Elon Musk dramatically increased content containing the slur “retard” on X after using the term in a post. Highlights from the study include:
- A 207.5% increase in posts containing the r-word on X.
- 312,642 posts using the term r-word identified in the period studied.
- Google Trends Analysis showed a similar increase in online search activity related to the r-word.
- Indication of a broader increase in stigmatizing language online with limited structures to curtail such content.
Implications for the climate of social media and broader issues of platform safety for marginalized groups are considered.
MSU Digital Commons Citation
Benton, Bond and Peterka-Benton, Daniela, "Use of the slur “retard” triples on X after Elon Musk shares the word in a post" (2025). School of Communication and Media Scholarship and Creative Works. 55.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/scom-facpubs/55
Published Citation
Benton, B. & Peterka-Benton, D. (2025). Use of the slur “retard” triples on X after Elon Musk shares the word in a post. The Joetta Di Bella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication.
Included in
Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Disability Studies Commons, Social Justice Commons, Social Media Commons