cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/37834970

• Structural polarization: The study reveals significant structural polarization on Twitter/X, with users dividing into two distinct clusters across various political issues
• The hidden force: Multipliers play a central role in in shaping political divides. They curate ideologically coherent narratives and boost visibility through algorithmic engagement.
• Issue-specific deviations: While most topics follow clear partisan lines, some show nuanced overlaps or unexpected cross-cluster endorsements, offering insight into the complexity of political alignment.
• Relevance beyond social media: The findings have implications for our understanding of social media’s impact on public discourse and highlight the need for further research into the mechanisms driving polarization, as well as the potential for similar patterns on other social media platforms.