An unnamed X account has rapidly amassed 800,000 followers within a mere seven months, despite its content being described as "extremely generic" and "low IQ, boring stuff." The swift rise, highlighted by the X user "Pro America Politics," is attributed primarily to frequent retweets by X owner Elon Musk, sparking discussion about algorithmic amplification on the platform.
The tweet from "Pro America Politics" expressed bewilderment at the account's success, stating, > "Somehow this Retard account grew to 800k followers in 7 months with content that's extremely generic. Calling people retards and saying 'I found one.' Low IQ, boring stuff. Yet, with the help of being retweeted a lot by Elon Musk, his account exploded. Very strange indeed."
Elon Musk, who acquired the platform in 2022, is known for his significant influence on content visibility within X. His personal account, with over 200 million followers, frequently posts and engages, and his retweets can expose even obscure or new accounts to a massive audience, leading to exponential growth. This amplification power has been a consistent factor in the growth of various accounts on the platform.
Research and observations have indicated that X's algorithm, particularly under Musk's ownership, has shown tendencies to amplify certain content and accounts. Studies suggest that algorithmic changes have at times disproportionately favored Musk's own posts and those of accounts he engages with or that align with specific political leanings. The platform's shift to a paid verification system also influences content visibility, as paying subscribers often receive boosted reach.
This rapid growth of an account with controversial content, allegedly propelled by Musk's engagement, underscores ongoing debates surrounding content moderation, algorithmic bias, and the broader dynamics of information dissemination on X. As the platform navigates challenges like stagnant user growth and revenue, the mechanisms by which content gains prominence remain a critical point of discussion for users and observers alike.