Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/ Frontiers in Communi...arrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/
Frontiers in Communication
Article . 2025 . Peer-reviewed
License: CC BY
Data sources: Crossref
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/
Frontiers in Communication
Article . 2025
Data sources: DOAJ
versions View all 3 versions
addClaim

This Research product is the result of merged Research products in OpenAIRE.

You have already added 0 works in your ORCID record related to the merged Research product.

Analyzing X mentions to uncover micro-clusters interfering in political campaigns: a case study during the Spanish elections

Authors: Francisco José García-Ull; Bruno Broseta-Dupré; José María Lamirán-Palomares;

Analyzing X mentions to uncover micro-clusters interfering in political campaigns: a case study during the Spanish elections

Abstract

IntroductionCoordinated influence campaigns on social networks pose a growing threat to democratic discourse, especially during electoral periods. This study investigates such efforts within political conversations during the Spanish regional elections of May 2023.MethodsWe analyzed a dataset of 345,000 messages posted on X (formerly Twitter) by 17,074 unique users. Using advanced quantitative techniques, we focused on the analysis of mentions to detect coordination patterns. We identified micro-clusters—groups of users engaging in synchronized messaging strategies—by tracking distribution lists and repeated amplification behaviors.ResultsOur findings reveal patterns of coordinated activity targeting political figures, journalists, and other influential actors. The Gephi-generated network maps visualize these micro-clusters and expose homophilic behavior and feedback loops that enhance the virality of messages.DiscussionThese results demonstrate the sophistication of digital tactics employed to manipulate political discourse. The study highlights the urgent need for effective detection mechanisms and regulatory frameworks to protect the integrity of public debate during electoral campaigns.

Keywords

big data and analytics, Medios sociales, Communication. Mass media, distribution lists, social networks analysis and mining, P87-96, Goal 16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies, virality, Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all, Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries, Ciencias sociales, Comunicación política, political communication, Gephi visualization analysis

  • BIP!
    Impact byBIP!
    selected citations
    These citations are derived from selected sources.
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    0
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
gold