The social listening company through the Goo tool analyzed the mentions that made reference to the current government through social networks during the period from January 15 to April 16. The database included the verification of 475,943 conversions generated around the administration of Bernardo Arévalo.
Of the total mentions, it was determined that 7,615 were generated by bots. These are supposed users, intended to carry out repetitive conversations regarding certain topics on social interaction platforms, which marked a trend during the days analyzed.
The accounts of these bots were created in March 2023. This year, following the president took office, they generated repetitive conversations related to five major topics: allegations of fraud and corruption, criticism of governance and political alliances, social issues and human rights, manipulation and control of information and international response and foreign relations.
The narrative
Days following the political group Movimiento Semilla won the elections, conversations arose that the judges of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) “endorsed” electoral fraud. These conversations were held with specific allegations of fraud accusations by Semilla, allegations regarding false signatures and use of deceased people to establish the party, as well as complaints of “corruption and manipulation” by the TSE.
The conversations were joined by criticism of the decisions and alliances of Arévalo and the party, as well as concerns regarding the ability to govern without clear and stable support. Topics on LGBT rights and abortion were added to the debate generated on the networks, as well as specific mentions of religious and conservative positions.
The discussions regarding the role of the media and the influence on public perception and the meetings that Arévalo had with international figures also generated discussion by the bots.
The perception
More than 400 thousand conversions according to the study were produced by real users. Contrary to bots, these interactions on the networks focused on six topics: presidential transition and political tensions, government and achievements, international relations and diplomacy, legal debates and government responsibility, public perception and criticism, and finally conflicts and controversies.
While the users created through fictitious accounts spoke of fraud, the population’s perception focused on the tensions with which the president arrived and the political challenges that Arévalo would face. Part of these interactions showed public opinions and criticism towards some of the president’s decisions.
The study also revealed conflicts between political figures, investigations and recently criticism regarding internal security and terrorist actions. But they also gave their opinion on sanctions for corruption.
#Bots #stand #days #Arévalo #government
