A recent update to X, formerly Twitter, now displays the country of origin for user accounts, revealing that many accounts promoting MAGA ideologies and American political content are based outside the United States. Accounts with significant followings, often promoting America First agendas, were found to originate from countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe. This discovery has sparked considerable discussion and concern about the authenticity of online content and potential foreign influence. While some accounts have deleted their profiles following this revelation, the feature is expected to be refined with further updates.
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X’s new “about this account” feature has revealed that numerous influential figures within the “Make America great again” (MAGA) movement are operating from outside the United States. This transparency tool exposes account locations, joining dates, and username changes, leading to the discovery of several right-wing influencers based in countries such as Russia, Nigeria, and India, despite presenting themselves as American patriots. User findings included prominent accounts like MAGANationX and IvankaNews, which were revealed to be based in eastern Europe and Nigeria respectively. The new feature has amplified ongoing concerns about foreign actors and misinformation on the platform, issues that have persisted even with the change in ownership and the introduction of AI chatbots like Grok.
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Further investigation has revealed that several prominent social media accounts with patriotic American themes are not operated from within the United States. Accounts such as “America First” and “MAGA Nation,” boasting hundreds of thousands of followers, are reportedly based in Bangladesh and Eastern Europe, respectively. Furthermore, a fan page dedicated to Ivanka Trump, with a million followers, appears to be managed from Nigeria. These findings raise questions about the true origins and potential influence of these accounts.
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X’s new “About This Account” feature, designed to increase transparency, has inadvertently revealed that numerous prominent MAGA influencers are actually based overseas. This feature allows users to see an account’s location, join date, and username changes, leading to the identification of foreign origins for accounts posing as “America First” or “MAGA” proponents. Accounts with hundreds of thousands of followers were found to be based in countries such as Russia, India, and Nigeria. The revelation has sparked discussions about foreign influence operations and disinformation campaigns targeting American politics, along with calls for further investigation into the motivations behind the use of these accounts.
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The Cambridge Dictionary has chosen “parasocial” as its Word of the Year, defining it as a relationship felt by someone towards a famous person they do not know. This term, coined in 1956, describes the relationships formed by individuals with celebrities and online personalities, particularly as social media has amplified these connections. Recent examples, such as the interest in Taylor Swift’s life and interactions with AI bots, demonstrate the word’s growing relevance. The surge in usage, and the word’s endurance, has solidified its place in the dictionary, alongside other newly added terms.
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Following the release of thousands of pages of emails related to Jeffrey Epstein, California Governor Gavin Newsom launched a series of attacks on Donald Trump via X. Newsom’s office posted satirical images targeting Trump, including a modified image of the West Wing colonnade signage and an AI-generated cartoon. He also criticized Trump’s claim of not knowing Epstein, connecting it to a Department of Justice lawsuit against California’s Proposition 50. Additionally, Newsom highlighted the hypocrisy of Trump supporters by referencing the Epstein files.
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The Shopping Trends team has observed a growing trend in consumer behavior. Their research indicates that shoppers are increasingly influenced by online reviews and social media recommendations when making purchasing decisions. Furthermore, the team has found that consumers are prioritizing value and convenience, leading to a rise in demand for subscription services and online retailers. This shift in priorities is reshaping the retail landscape, impacting both in-store and online shopping experiences.
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Elon Musk has become increasingly involved in far-right politics since leaving the Trump administration, funding legal battles and promoting divisive views on social media. His public support for figures like Tommy Robinson and the fringe political movement Restore Britain, along with his rhetoric on immigration and civil unrest, has drawn criticism. Musk is also developing online platforms and tools, like his AI chatbot, to push his conservative worldview, which has resulted in the spread of false information and biased narratives. Despite facing backlash, Musk continues to embrace these affiliations, even as it appears to affect his businesses and personal image.
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Denmark is set to introduce a minimum age of 15 for certain social media platforms, following Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s concerns regarding youth mental health. This decision, supported by a majority of the parliament, aims to protect children and young people from harmful content online. The government will also invest 160 million Danish kroner in initiatives to strengthen online child protection and improve the digital landscape. While the specific platforms and enforcement methods are yet to be announced, parental consent may allow access for children as young as 13.
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At a Turning Point USA event on October 29th, Vice President JD Vance was introduced by Erika Kirk, widow of the organization’s previous leader, Charlie Kirk. The pair shared an emotional embrace that quickly circulated on social media, sparking debate over their interaction. During the event, Vance also addressed his interfaith marriage, sharing his hopes that his wife would eventually embrace his Christian faith.
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John Q. Hosedrinker