Ed Harrison

PhD Researcher & Research Consultant | Interested in digital culture, online movements, politics & misinformation

[Ed Harrison @edharrison94]

How discussion of "mass deportations" spread on X:

Circles = users; colours = sub-communities

[Ed Harrison @edharrison94]

Social media, particularly X, is becoming increasingly influential in shaping political discourse.

@liv_brown20 and I explore how the online right is using it to shift the Overton window and influence Reform policy. We map how support for “mass deportations” spread on X in the year up to Reform’s recent policy u-turn.

We also discuss the "Boriswave", posting-to-policy, and how social media can distort perceptions of public opinion.

https://t.co/Nmg9drx3XL

[Ed Harrison @edharrison94]

On your etymology of the word & its use in media: Sam Bidwell - now part of Jenrick's team - used it in the Telegraph in October 2024. Bidwell was also influential in linking the Boriswave to indefinite leave to remain & has been cited as a contributor in Restore Britain's deportations policy paper

https://t.co/vcL0ZuH01I

[Ed Harrison @edharrison94]

@jburnmurdoch Curious to hear @default_friend’s view on this

[Ed Harrison @edharrison94]

True. Even if (1) & (2) were more directly related, experimental participants are so unrepresentative of online obsessives most engaged with and receptive to misinfo

You can also separate (2) into:
A) Does it limit the reach of misinfo?
B) Does it prevent belief in misinfo/conspiratorial radicalisation?
C) Does it change beliefs?

It is more successful at A & B, but people mostly view its purpose as C (which it doesn't do for those most in need of it)

[Ed Harrison @edharrison94]

@alz_zyd_ It was more protestant countries' religious pluralism & socio-political structure that led to economic prosperity. The protestant work ethic narrative is contingent on protestantism = individualism which has been challenged. Search "Weber" in this https://t.co/ZLQO2KKxOi

[Ed Harrison @edharrison94]

@DanGurton94 @GlennPrice94 @RosscoJammin Haha only just seen this. Class

[Ed Harrison @edharrison94]

@holland_tom Does this mean you're researching my question about hedgehogs?