The 2016 US Presidential election saw the use of fake news to concentrate polarising content in swing states, and to intimidate certain groups of people into not showing up to vote. Under the extreme pressure of the 2020 Presidential elections, is social media being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states?
Yes, social media is being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states
Social media is being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states. Polarising content is being used for voter suppression and foreign states are influencing the 2020 election.
During the 2016 US election polarising content was concentrated in swing states
Social media is being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states. During the last presidential election polarising content was concentrated in swing states to influence the outcome.
Social media has made it easier to target specific areas anonymously
Social media is being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states. Online, people can post anonymously and easily to influence election outcomes and sway people's opinions.
Disinformation was circulated online during the 2020 presidential primaries
Social media is being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states. During the presidential primaries in early 2020, disinformation regarding election dates was circulated to target certain groups of the population.
Lies surrounding coronavirus are being spread to stop voters from showing up
Social media is being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states. Lies surrounding coronavirus are being used to target elderly and vulnerable voters from showing up to vote.
Foreign states have attempted to influence the 2020 election
Social media is being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states. Foreign states have attempted to suppress certain groups of the population from voting.
Celebrity endorsements are influencing voter opinions
Social media is being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states. Highly influential celebrities may influence the opinions of disenfranchised voters, particularly in swing states.
No, social media is not being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states
Social media is not being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states. The use of fake news in politics is overstated and voter suppression is a myth.
The majority of Americans were not exposed to fake news during the 2016 election
Social media is not being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states. The use of fake news in politics is overstated and the majority of Americans were not actually exposed to disinformation during the 2016 presidential election.
Social media is not being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states. Voter suppression is a myth designed to worry voters about the integrity of the US election.
Social media is not being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states. Platforms like Twitter acknowledge the threat of disinformation on society, and in particular on political outcomes. They will take action to ensure disinformation does not influence the US election.
