#SaveTwitter: Tweeters go into meltdown as hoax wrongly claims the social network will close in 2017
Twitter users have been duped into thinking the social network is closing down in 2017 thanks to a hoax hashtag.
#SaveTwitter has been trending in the UK and the US / #SaveTwitter
#SaveTwitter has been the number one trend in the UK and the US this morning (11 August), despite Twitter confirming to The Drum and other publications that there is no truth to the rumours.
The claims appeared to imply that Twitter has being shut down because of its ongoing issues around abuse and bullying online, which it has been making moves to combat.
While the origins of the speculation aren't clear, tweeters have been taking to the platform to plead with Twitter not to close its doors.
RT to make sure Twitter doesn't get shut down #SaveTwitter pic.twitter.com/ckub1fx8q6
— Kai Knight (@kaiknightt) August 11, 2016
if twitter ends we'll all have to go out and actually talk to people #savetwitter pic.twitter.com/y9HGaQVWxH
— ㅤ (@IikemyponytaiI) August 11, 2016
when u know #savetwitter is just to scare ppl but ur still a lil worried pic.twitter.com/1P6G5nSLhu
— n (@ripbellarke) August 11, 2016
Quick someone create a new app like Twitter where we can actually edit our tweets. #savetwitter
— ･ leah ･ (@halesblakes) August 11, 2016
Feeling like... #savetwitter ! pic.twitter.com/fMtrplzezq
— «Lighthouse» (@xneveroutloudx) August 11, 2016
Even Twitter's UK managing director Bruce Daisley got in on the hashtag.
We're not closing Twitter in 2017, we're just having a year off. Like Glastonbury. See you in 2018. #SaveTwitter
— Bruce Daisley (@brucedaisley) August 11, 2016
And others poked fun at the wild conspiracy theory.
I zoomed in on the twitter bird's eye and I think I could make something out in the reflection? #savetwitter pic.twitter.com/AMmw1haYbk
— Alan White (@aljwhite) August 11, 2016
Regardless of the speculation, Twitter enthusiasts can rest assured that the site isn't going anywhere quite yet.