Fact Check: "Right-leaning users on X tripled after Elon Musk's takeover."
What We Know
Following Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter (now X) in October 2022, there has been a notable shift in user demographics and engagement patterns on the platform. A Pew Research Center report indicates that the percentage of Republican users who believe X is "mostly good" for American democracy has increased from 17% in 2021 to 53% in 2024. This represents a significant rise in positive sentiment among right-leaning users. Concurrently, the report highlights that only 26% of Democratic users now view X positively, down from 47% in 2021, indicating a growing divide in user experiences based on political affiliation.
Moreover, a study conducted by the University of Edinburgh found that "contentious actors," defined as users active in far-right networks, experienced a substantial increase in engagement following Musk's takeover, with a reported 70% increase in retweets and a 14% increase in likes for these users (source-1). This suggests that while overall engagement on the platform increased, the rise was particularly pronounced among right-leaning users.
Analysis
The claim that right-leaning users on X tripled post-Musk's takeover is partially substantiated by the data presented in the Pew Research Center report and the University of Edinburgh study. The Pew report illustrates a dramatic increase in Republican users' positive perceptions of the platform, which could imply an increase in their overall presence and engagement. However, the term "tripled" is somewhat misleading without specific numerical context regarding the total number of users before and after the takeover.
The University of Edinburgh's findings provide a more nuanced view, indicating that while engagement among contentious users increased significantly, it does not directly translate to a tripling of right-leaning users. The increase in engagement metrics (likes and retweets) reflects heightened activity rather than a straightforward increase in user numbers. Furthermore, the report does not provide a clear breakdown of user demographics to confirm that the overall number of right-leaning users has indeed tripled.
The sources used in this analysis are credible, with the Pew Research Center being a well-respected organization known for its rigorous survey methodologies. The University of Edinburgh's study is also conducted by academic researchers, adding to its reliability. However, the interpretation of the data can vary, and the framing of the claim as a "tripling" lacks precise quantitative backing.
Conclusion
Verdict: Partially True
The assertion that right-leaning users on X tripled after Elon Musk's takeover is partially true. While there is strong evidence of increased engagement and a more favorable perception of the platform among Republican users, the claim lacks specific numerical data to confirm that the total number of right-leaning users has indeed tripled. The increase in engagement metrics among contentious users suggests a shift in dynamics on the platform, but it does not equate to a direct tripling of user numbers.
Sources
- Did the Musk takeover boost contentious actors on Twitter?
- Elon Musk has made X more right-leaning, study shows - The Detroit News
- Republicans and Democrats on X differ over the site's politics and their experiences
- New Insights Highlight X's Shift to the Right Under Elon Musk
- How Elon Musk uses his X social media platform to amplify right-wing views
