Influencers, Multipliers Fuel Political Polarization

Max Planck Society

How Political Narratives are distributed on Twitter/X

Twitter Bird / X logo on a colored background

To the point:

  • Structural polarization: The study reveals significant structural polarization on Twitter/X, with users dividing into two distinct clusters across various political issues
  • The hidden force: Multipliers play a central role in in shaping political divides. They curate ideologically coherent narratives and boost visibility through algorithmic engagement.
  • Issue-specific deviations: While most topics follow clear partisan lines, some show nuanced overlaps or unexpected cross-cluster endorsements, offering insight into the complexity of political alignment.
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