X’s Algorithm Now Loves Republicans and Elon Musk

Study Reveals Algorithm Tweaks Boosted Elon Musk’s Account

Elon Musk’s social media presence has been a topic of interest, especially after a new study by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) suggested that his account, along with other conservative-leaning users, may have received a boost in engagement due to algorithm tweaks. The study, conducted by QUT associate professor Timothy Graham and Monash University professor Mark Andrejevic, analyzed Musk’s engagement before and after his public support for Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.

Algorithm Changes and Engagement Increase

The researchers found a significant increase in Musk’s post views and retweets following his endorsement of Trump. Starting around July 13th, Musk’s posts reportedly received 138% more views and 238% more retweets compared to before the announcement. This surge in engagement was not limited to Musk alone but extended to other Republican-leaning accounts as well.

Comparison with General Engagement Trends

The study concluded that Musk’s numbers surpassed the general engagement trends observed on the platform, indicating a possible algorithm adjustment to favor his account. While this isn’t the first time such claims have been made, it sheds light on the impact of social media algorithms on user engagement.

Potential Right-Wing Bias and Data Limitations

The study’s findings align with previous reports of potential right-wing bias in social media algorithms, as highlighted by The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. However, the researchers noted limitations in data collection due to restricted access to the platform’s Academic API. While they didn’t find any missing data, they acknowledged the possibility of incomplete information.

Conclusion

Elon Musk’s social media engagement, particularly following his public support for Donald Trump, has raised questions about algorithm bias and its impact on user visibility. The study by QUT sheds light on the potential influence of algorithm tweaks on user engagement, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in social media platforms.

FAQs

Q: What was the key finding of the study regarding Elon Musk’s social media engagement?

A: The study revealed a significant increase in Elon Musk’s post views and retweets following his endorsement of Donald Trump, suggesting possible algorithm adjustments in favor of his account.

Q: How did the researchers compare Musk’s engagement with general trends on the platform?

A: The researchers concluded that Musk’s engagement numbers surpassed the platform’s general trends, indicating a potential algorithmic boost for his account.

Q: What limitations did the study face in data collection?

A: The study faced limitations in data collection due to restricted access to the platform’s Academic API, raising concerns about the completeness of the data analyzed.

Credit: www.theverge.com