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How does Twitter/X help far-right figures grow?
Twitter/X boosts far-right figures mainly through its engagement algorithms, which promote content that gets more interactions. When influential users like Elon Musk interact with or retweet these figures, their followers and visibility increase rapidly. This can lead to a snowball effect, making their messages reach wider audiences and gaining more followers quickly.
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What algorithms promote these figures?
The platform's recommendation and trending algorithms prioritize content that generates high engagement, regardless of its nature. This means that provocative or controversial posts from far-right figures can be promoted more often, increasing their reach and influence. These algorithms are designed to keep users engaged, but they can inadvertently amplify extremist content.
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Are there efforts to curb hate speech online?
Yes, social media companies are working to reduce hate speech through policies, moderation, and AI tools. However, the scale of online content makes it challenging to eliminate all harmful material. Ongoing efforts include stricter community guidelines, reporting features, and automated detection systems to identify and remove hate speech more effectively.
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How can users identify misinformation?
Users can spot misinformation by checking the credibility of sources, looking for fact-based evidence, and being cautious of sensational headlines. It's also helpful to cross-reference information with reputable news outlets and use fact-checking tools. Staying critical of content that seems overly biased or unverified is key to avoiding the spread of false information.
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What impact does social media have on European politics?
Social media has become a powerful tool for influencing European politics, especially through the promotion of nationalist and anti-immigration figures. The boost given by high-profile interactions, like those from Elon Musk, can sway public opinion and even affect election outcomes. Concerns are growing about foreign influence and the destabilizing effects of unchecked online propaganda.
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Can social media platforms do more to stop the spread of extremism?
Many experts believe social media companies need to implement stronger measures, such as better content moderation, transparency about algorithms, and more effective user reporting systems. While some steps have been taken, critics argue that more proactive policies are necessary to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies and protect democratic discourse online.