Twitter employees quit in droves after Elon Musk's ultimatum passes

Twitter in San Francisco. The social media company has laid off thousands of workers and contractors, including many involved in determining whether material on the site broke the site's policies or violated U.S. or foreign laws. (David Odisho/Getty Images)

Twitter saw a fresh exodus of employees on Thursday as the company hit a deadline set by billionaire owner Elon Musk for remaining staff to commit to being "extremely hardcore" or leave the company.

Departing employees posted on Twitter under the hashtag #LoveWhereYouWorked, announcing it was their last day at the social network. Twitter has been convulsed with chaos since Musk finalized his $44 billion purchase in late October. Many accompanied their posts with a saluting emoji, which has become a symbol inside Twitter of respect for those who are leaving.