In brief
Reports indicate that numerous users on X are generating significant income by disseminating election-related misinformation and AI-created content. As the platform alters its monetization rules, the lack of misinformation guidelines prompts questions about its impact on US politics.
Numerous users on the social media platform X have disclosed they are making substantial earnings, sometimes totaling thousands of dollars, by sharing a mixture of election misinformation, AI-generated images, and various conspiracy theories. An investigation by the BBC unearthed networks consisting of accounts that repeatedly share each other's content throughout the day, which includes accurate, dubious, and fabricated materials, in a bid to elevate their visibility and, consequently, their earnings.Some of the users report earnings varying from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. They collaborate via forums and group chats to maximize their reach—"It's a way of trying to help each other out," one user remarked. The accounts span a spectrum of political affiliations, expressing support for figures like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris or aligning themselves as independents. Notably, individuals from these accounts—though they claim no formal ties to any campaigns—have been approached by political candidates seeking favorable posts.On October 9, X modified its payment structure to reward accounts with greater engagement from premium users—concerning likes, shares, and comments—rather than relying on ad placements. Unlike many other social media platforms that enforce strict rules against sharing misinformation, particularly in politically sensitive contexts, X has no formal guidelines regarding the spread of false claims.Despite having a smaller user base compared to rival platforms, X plays a crucial role in shaping political dialogue, raising critical concerns about whether the platform incentivizes the sharing of misleading information during a pivotal period leading up to the US elections. The BBC's examination into users' reported earnings corroborated the figures based on their levels of interaction, followers, and the reach of their posts.Among the misleading narratives propagated by these accounts were claims about election fraud discredited by officials and bizarre allegations regarding sexual misconduct involving presidential candidates. Additionally, some misleading posts that originated on X have made their way to larger platforms such as Facebook and TikTok, magnifying their impact.One user proudly illustrates his income from posting provoking AI-generated images—some satirical, some mimicking reality. "I can earn in the low thousands," he states, revealing a meticulous routine of spending up to 16 hours daily online. Others express that controversial content tends to garner more engagement, comparing it to sensationalist traditional media. He insists that, while he understands the stakes of providing misleading information, he is often compelled to produce content that resonates with audiences looking for a thrilling narrative.Liberal-backed accounts, like that of a user named Susan, also monetize their political statements through a network of amplification despite initial skepticism about engaging in the monetary aspect of social media. She acknowledges that her viral posts sometimes promote unfounded theories, and other political candidates have also reached out for support, suggesting an underlying collaboration across the platform.This intricate web of financial incentives, often disregarded in favor of sensational narratives, calls into question the degree to which platforms like X may impact the opinions and decisions of American voters. As the elections approach, the dynamics of information propagation on social media platforms necessitate urgent scrutiny—especially given the convoluted relationship users have with both truth and financial gain in their online interactions.
