Most social media apps have age restrictions. For the majority, you have to be at least 13 to create an account. X, formerly known as Twitter, is no exception. Yet, I firmly believe that this age limit is simply unfair. The minimum age to create an account on X should be changed to 75. Though this may seem strange at first, may I present a shining example for why this should be the case: One Joyce Carol Oates.
Joyce Carol Oates is a critically-acclaimed 85-year-old American author who has published over 50 novels, including Blonde and We Were the Mulvaneys, not to mention a litany of short stories and poems. However, the best-written work she has produced undoubtedly exists in the form of her tweets on X. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, and Oates’ recent posts include profound photos such as “Canal.” Not only this, but the author has deigned to share hidden gems from the art world, including a painting that may have inspired Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring.”
Celebrities of our generation can be rather dismissive of their fans on social media and in real life. Fan pages struggle to get their favourite celebrities to notice them, and the vast majority of love declarations go unacknowledged. On the other hand, fans of Oates have no shortage of responses from the author. She maintains profound conversations with her fellow users. Recently, Oates was quick to comment on the cuteness of a fan’s dog. Additionally, she has engaged in conversations with those who do not seem overly fond of her, such as her multiple political arguments with several opinionated users.
Although Oates’ X account is certainly worth a follow, she is not the only senior whose thoughts are worth sharing. Another member of the older population on the app includes Larry King—famed television and radio host—who strove to spread important information to his dutiful followers prior to his death on Jan. 23rd, 2021. His series of tweets, aptly titled #ItsMy2Cents, offers the star’s many hot takes. For instance, his relatable statement that he “has no desire to eat clams” is nothing short of newsworthy.
Even if King is no longer with us today, his opinions will live on forever through his tweets. Sure, the app could be used to share the thoughts of the younger generation, but why not give our elders a chance to immortalize their wisdom on the internet? Some may say that seniors have problematic opinions, but no two people are alike, and many individuals from previous generations are worth listening to. After all, thanks to them, we have succeeded in feats such as the moon landing, and life-changing inventions like the lava lamp.
In the end, our generation maintains its monopoly over many social media platforms, including TikTok and Snapchat. So why not let the seniors have X? It could very well be their last chance to use their voice, and who wouldn’t want to see another cat photo shared by Joyce Carol Oates? We have no need for another tired retelling of Kylie Jenner having cereal with milk for the first time. Besides, Elon Musk did purchase the platform, and we wouldn’t want to support him long-term—he is known for being a misogynist, and has tweeted a meme comparing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Adolf Hitler. Leave it to our elders to express their opinions and, when they pass away, we can let Musk’s success pass on with them.
