Analysis of the Rise of “New Elite” Accounts on X During the Hamas-Israel Crisis
Recent events have illuminated a striking shift in how news is consumed, particularly during crises. The October 7 Hamas attack on Israel served as a catalyst for this transformation. According to a study from the University of Washington’s Center for an Informed Public, a surge of new, emotionally charged accounts dominated the platform known as X, formerly Twitter. These “new elite” accounts amassed a staggering 1.6 billion views over three days, dwarfing the 112 million views combined for established media outlets. This dramatic rise challenges the dominance of traditional journalism in real-time news dissemination.
Central to this phenomenon is the account @CollinRugg, whose unfiltered reporting resonated with users. One commenter highlighted the appeal, saying, “@CollinRugg Unapologetically saying exactly what needs to be said. Bravo.” The findings underscore that these influential voices have developed a specific formula that aligns perfectly with X’s evolving environment: fast posts, striking visuals, and emotionally engaging content. As researcher Mike Caulfield noted, “These new influencers have developed a powerful formula… They fit naturally in the platform’s new dynamics.”
Researchers identified seven prominent accounts that outperformed traditional media. They tracked tweets with impactful keywords like “Israel,” “Gaza,” and “Hamas,” filtering for posts that garnered significant engagement. This analysis revealed an alarming reality: the new elite’s collective output received over 14 times the views of tweets from established institutions such as CNN and The New York Times.
The study attributes this shift largely to changes implemented by Elon Musk. The removal of features like blue verification checkmarks and modifications to the platform’s algorithm favoring in-house content have altered the landscape of news distribution. With these changes, fast-rising independent accounts, many of which launched after Musk took control in October 2022, have outstripped their traditional counterparts. Personal engagement from Musk, including likes and follows, further accelerated their visibility.
A critical aspect of this shift lies in the emotional gravity of the Hamas attack. As brutality unfolded, the new elite accounts responded by sharing gripping content—video footage, urgent alerts, and graphic imagery—often without comprehensive sourcing. Many viral tweets lacked citations, with claims of horrors like Hamas beheading babies circulating widely, despite their dubious veracity. This rapid, unsourced content sometimes found its way into mainstream media narratives and policy discussions, affecting public perception dramatically.
The contrasting styles are evident. Traditional media were cautious, providing context and sourcing, which ultimately limited their engagement on the platform. In this new model, the absence of transparency and reliability raises serious concerns. “There’s a real cost when emotionally provocative but inadequately sourced content goes viral,” Ashlyn Aske, another co-author of the study, points out. The disconnection between sourcing and reach indicates a troubling trend where sensationalism trumps verification.
This moment underscores a major transformation in the media landscape. Rather than a failure of traditional journalism, it’s a reflection of how the values rewarded by social media platforms have shifted. As Caulfield explained, traditional standards are less valued in this environment. The new influencers thrive under a framework that prioritizes intensity over accuracy and emotional appeal over substantive reporting.
Ultimately, the findings reflect a broader trend: information exposure during crises is no longer dictated by established gatekeepers. Instead, accounts like @CollinRugg have emerged as pivotal players in shaping narratives. This isn’t just a change in function; it poses significant implications for how public opinion is formed. The rapid dissemination of news can lead to chaos, with emotionally charged content shaping discussions even before verified facts are established. What emerges is a fragmented media landscape where urgency competes with reliability, often to the detriment of informed public discourse.
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