Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Poorest Americans Dealt Biggest Blow Under Senate Republican Tax Package

15 hours ago

Trump Vowed to Dismantle MS-13. His Deal With Bukele Threatens That Effort.

19 hours ago

Ukraine Voices Concern as US Halts Some Missile Shipments

19 hours ago

Poll: Most Americans Say National Divide, Political Violence Threaten Democracy

19 hours ago

Paramount Settles With Trump Over ‘60 Minutes’ Interview for $16 Million

19 hours ago

Republicans Tee up House Vote on Trump Bill, Outcome Uncertain

19 hours ago

What’s Next for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs After His Sex Trafficking Trial?

20 hours ago

Dalai Lama Says He Will Be Reincarnated, Trust Will Identify Successor

20 hours ago
‘Misinformation Is an Attack on You’: Research Shows Alarming Increase in Social Media Manipulation
News
By News
Published 7 months ago on
November 29, 2024

From the Super Bowl to the this year’s election, bots and AI-generated content dominate social media, manipulating discourse and inflating metrics. (Shutterstock)

Share

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

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 to the platform, including mass reinstatement of banned accounts, monetization of verification, and removal of misinformation safeguards, have contributed to a tenfold increase in bot activity as of May 2024.

Algorithm Manipulation Favored Right-Wing Accounts Starting in July of This Year

Recent research also suggests algorithm manipulation favoring right-wing accounts starting in July 2024, with significant deviations in engagement metrics coinciding with Musk’s endorsement of Trump.

As social media becomes increasingly saturated with artificial engagement, users must remain vigilant. Experts advise critically evaluating sources, being aware of potential biases, and using tools to verify information authenticity.

Watch the full video on YouTube

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

Madera County Deputy Injured, Wanted Felon Arrested After Violent Struggle

DON'T MISS

San Luis Obispo County Wildfire Burns More Than 3,000 Acres. No Containment Yet

DON'T MISS

Wired Wednesday: Why Is State Lawmaker Taking Aim at Rooftop Solar?

DON'T MISS

Two Visalia Men Sentenced in 2021 Motel Killing

DON'T MISS

Ex-Jan. 6 Defendant Gets Life in Prison for Plot to Kill FBI Agents

DON'T MISS

Del Monte Files for Bankruptcy. Gets Nearly $1B to Keep Producing Through Process

DON'T MISS

Who is Running for Fresno Area Offices in 2026? An Updated Look

DON'T MISS

CIA Review Finds Flaws but Does Not Dispute Finding Putin Sought to Sway 2016 Vote to Trump

DON'T MISS

Poorest Americans Dealt Biggest Blow Under Senate Republican Tax Package

DON'T MISS

Check Out Newest Downtown Mural. It’s a Spectacular Tribute to Fresno Artisans

UP NEXT

San Luis Obispo County Wildfire Burns More Than 3,000 Acres. No Containment Yet

UP NEXT

Wired Wednesday: Why Is State Lawmaker Taking Aim at Rooftop Solar?

UP NEXT

Two Visalia Men Sentenced in 2021 Motel Killing

UP NEXT

Ex-Jan. 6 Defendant Gets Life in Prison for Plot to Kill FBI Agents

UP NEXT

Del Monte Files for Bankruptcy. Gets Nearly $1B to Keep Producing Through Process

UP NEXT

Who is Running for Fresno Area Offices in 2026? An Updated Look

UP NEXT

CIA Review Finds Flaws but Does Not Dispute Finding Putin Sought to Sway 2016 Vote to Trump

UP NEXT

Poorest Americans Dealt Biggest Blow Under Senate Republican Tax Package

UP NEXT

Check Out Newest Downtown Mural. It’s a Spectacular Tribute to Fresno Artisans

UP NEXT

US Judge Blocks Trump Asylum Ban at US-Mexico Border, Says He Exceeded Authority

Madera County Deputy Injured, Wanted Felon Arrested After Violent Struggle

13 hours ago

San Luis Obispo County Wildfire Burns More Than 3,000 Acres. No Containment Yet

13 hours ago

Wired Wednesday: Why Is State Lawmaker Taking Aim at Rooftop Solar?

13 hours ago

Two Visalia Men Sentenced in 2021 Motel Killing

13 hours ago

Ex-Jan. 6 Defendant Gets Life in Prison for Plot to Kill FBI Agents

14 hours ago

Del Monte Files for Bankruptcy. Gets Nearly $1B to Keep Producing Through Process

14 hours ago

Who is Running for Fresno Area Offices in 2026? An Updated Look

15 hours ago

CIA Review Finds Flaws but Does Not Dispute Finding Putin Sought to Sway 2016 Vote to Trump

15 hours ago

Poorest Americans Dealt Biggest Blow Under Senate Republican Tax Package

15 hours ago

Check Out Newest Downtown Mural. It’s a Spectacular Tribute to Fresno Artisans

16 hours ago

House Republicans Say They Expect to Vote Tonight on Trump’s Tax-Cut Bill

WASHINGTON – Republicans in the House of Representatives on Wednesday struggled to pass President Donald Trump’s massive tax-cut...

12 hours ago

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson speaks to the press, as Republican lawmakers struggle to pass U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping spending and tax bill, on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 2, 2025. (Reuters/Annabelle Gordon)
12 hours ago

House Republicans Say They Expect to Vote Tonight on Trump’s Tax-Cut Bill

The Madre Fire in San Luis Obispo County has rapidly expanded to 8,396 acres with no containment, prompting evacuation orders and warnings near New Cuyama. (CalFire)
12 hours ago

San Luis Obispo’s Madre Fire Grows to 8,300 Acres, Prompts Evacuations

Andrew Biscay, 40, was arrested Friday, June 20, 2025, after deputies found him with a fake U.S. Marshal’s badge, homemade firearm, and law enforcement-style gear during a warrant arrest. (Madera County SO)
12 hours ago

SLO Deputies Fatally Shoot Man in Los Osos Weeks After US Marshal Impersonation Arrest

On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, a Madera County sheriff’s deputy was injured while trying to arrest a wanted felon, Felix Adrian Nucamendi Carrasco, 40, who later fled and was captured near Raymond Road. (Madera County SO)
13 hours ago

Madera County Deputy Injured, Wanted Felon Arrested After Violent Struggle

A wildfire dubbed the Madre Fire has burned over 3,300 acres near New Cuyama with 0% containment, officials said Wednesday, July 2, 2025. (CalFire)
13 hours ago

San Luis Obispo County Wildfire Burns More Than 3,000 Acres. No Containment Yet

13 hours ago

Wired Wednesday: Why Is State Lawmaker Taking Aim at Rooftop Solar?

Jose Luna (left), 33, and Ralph Grajeda, 45, both of Visalia, have been sentenced for their roles in the 2020 shotgun killing of Robert Soto at a local motel. (Tulare County DA)
13 hours ago

Two Visalia Men Sentenced in 2021 Motel Killing

A U.S. Justice Department logo or seal showing Justice Department headquarters, known as "Main Justice," is seen behind the podium in the Department's headquarters briefing room before a news conference with the Attorney General in Washington, January 24, 2023. (Reuters File)
14 hours ago

Ex-Jan. 6 Defendant Gets Life in Prison for Plot to Kill FBI Agents

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend