Analyzing the Rise of New Elites During the Hamas-Israel Conflict on X
The recent surge of influence from what some term “new elites” on X—previously known as Twitter—marks a significant shift in the landscape of news dissemination. In the wake of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, these online figures have reshaped narratives and discussions surrounding the conflict, often sidelining traditional media outlets. The data reveals that just seven unaffiliated accounts garnered 1.6 billion views in a mere three days. In stark contrast, reputable organizations like CNN and the BBC managed a combined total of only 112 million views during the same period.
This discrepancy raises questions about the credibility and authority of information shared on social media platforms. The Center for an Informed Public at the University of Washington described these new elites as individuals peddling fast-paced, emotionally charged content—often lacking in reliable sourcing that once was a requirement of journalism. “These elites… post frequently, many sharing unvetted content and emotionally charged media,” the researchers remarked, indicating a shift from factual representation to a “firehose of media” driven primarily by urgency and sentiment.
One standout incident involved @CollinRugg, who responded defiantly to criticism regarding the accuracy of his tweets with, “I stand by those tweets. Vote accordingly. 🤡” This remark not only highlights a willingness to engage with skeptics, but also illustrates the role of these influencers as direct contributors to shaping public opinion rather than simple commentators. Their posts are not just information; they function as calls to action, tethering emotional engagement to political mobilization.
The researchers’ timeline underscores how quickly this influence surged. An analysis of posts related to keywords like “Gaza,” “Israel,” and “Hamas” revealed that smaller accounts outpaced traditional media in both volume and emotional intensity. The existence of platforms for rapid content sharing has empowered these voices while marginalizing established news outlets.
Much of this transformation can be traced back to changes made under Musk’s ownership of X. The verification process once relied on credible journalistic entities, but now anyone can purchase credibility through verification badges. This erosion of trust has compounded the challenge of discerning quality information from sensationalized content. The researchers note Musk’s active engagement with influential accounts during the conflict, stating he replied to one user over 50 times in a short span. These endorsements, whether intended or not, serve to amplify unchecked claims and information, enhancing visibility and reach irrespective of factual accuracy.
Further complicating matters, researchers highlighted a critical incident involving unverified claims about Hamas allegedly committing horrific acts. While major news outlets later clarified that these claims could not be substantiated, original sources pushing the sensational narrative faced no repercussions for their lack of verification. The rapid spread of misinformation creates an environment where facts are distant, and emotions reign supreme, with traditional journalistic care replaced by viral graphics and loaded terms indicative of sensationalism.
As the study reveals, many of the influential accounts observed began with modest followings until Musk took control of the platform. Since then, their growth has exploded, suggesting that computational algorithms favor their content over that of professional reporters. Data illustrates that posts from these new elites received ten times more views than similar posts from legacy media. This highlights an unsettling trend: the average user browsing X is likely to encounter unchecked content before they see information from credentialed journalists.
As the authors of the study—Mike Caulfield, Mert Can Bayar, and Ashlyn B. Aske—point out, the landscape for researchers analyzing this evolving information ecosystem has become increasingly complicated due to Musk’s policy changes that restrict data access. Nevertheless, their findings signal a fundamental reshaping of who holds power in the information space, with implications stretching beyond media consumption into political and social realms.
The emergence of decentralized media influencers on X introduces serious political ramifications. By delivering immediate political cues, these figures may influence public perceptions during crises and shape the broader discourse on national and international matters. Their engagement recalls past trends, such as the impact of talk radio or cable news, yet their reach appears without precedent—entrenched deeply within the platform’s architecture.
For users exposed to these accounts with dizzying frequency, discerning news from fabrication becomes increasingly challenging. This raises critical concerns about the quality of information circulating widely, as algorithm-driven tension propels spectacle over substance. The landscape has matured into one characterized by volatility and rapid-fire communication, often overshadowing truth in favor of immediate impact.
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