<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="true"><li>The robotaxi launch in Austin, Texas last week, conducted by Tesla, was dominated by a group of Tesla influencers and Elon Musk superfans, who were supportive of Musk's vision, while excluding and ridiculing journalists and tech bloggers who may have been critical.</li><li>Tesla fans in Austin and online were following Musk's lead in fostering resentment towards critical media, as seen by their reactions to journalists asking basic questions about the robotaxi service.</li><li>Influencers like Zack on X openly ignored journalists trying to cover the event, receiving support from their followers. Some followers expressed strong disdain towards traditional media outlets and journalists attempting to ask questions.</li><li>The coverage of the event highlighted the influence of Tesla fans, Musk's anti-media stance, and the exclusion and mockery of journalists and critics by Tesla enthusiasts.</li></ul>

‘We are the media now’: why Tesla’s robotaxis were dominated by Elon Musk superfans

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