Social media manipulation and misinformation have reached unprecedented levels, with bots and troll farms playing a significant role in shaping online discourse. A recent analysis reveals the extent of this problem on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
A study by the Queensland University of Technology found that during the 2023 Republican primary debates, over 1,300 bot accounts were actively spreading disinformation on X (formerly Twitter). This level of automated activity is far higher than the average bot presence on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.
The problem is even more pronounced during high-profile events. Cybersecurity firm CHEQ found that up to 76% of X’s Super Bowl traffic in February came from fake accounts, potentially inflating ad view numbers.
Political Discussions Susceptible to Manipulation
Political discussions are particularly susceptible to manipulation. A Cyabra report showed that when Elon Musk positioned himself against Kamala Harris on X, over 40% of the activity was driven by inauthentic accounts.
The issue has worsened since Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter. Changes …