US election: How X users could be earning thousands from misinformation and AI images | BBC News

The video examines how users on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) are profiting from the spread of misinformation and AI-generated content in the lead-up to the US presidential election, with some individuals earning thousands of dollars by sharing misleading posts. It highlights the challenges this poses to informed voting and the integrity of the electoral process, as provocative content garners more engagement and financial rewards, raising concerns about the impact on democracy.

The video discusses the impact of social media, particularly the platform X (formerly Twitter), on the upcoming US presidential election. With less than a week to go before the election, the focus is on how misinformation and AI-generated content are proliferating on the platform. Mariana Spring, the reporter, investigates networks of accounts that share a mix of true and false information, highlighting the challenges posed by misleading posts in the political landscape.

Spring meets with an individual known as Freedom Uncut, who identifies as an independent but supports Donald Trump. He spends up to 16 hours a day on X, sharing AI-generated images and engaging with followers. He notes that provocative content tends to attract more views, raising questions about the balance between free speech and the dissemination of false information. This environment is further complicated by recent changes at X that allow users to monetize their posts based on engagement metrics.

The video reveals that some users on X are making significant amounts of money—ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars—by sharing misleading or sensational content. This includes doctored images and unfounded claims about election fraud. The financial incentive for creating such content raises concerns about the potential influence on voters and the overall integrity of the electoral process.

One example highlighted is a user who shares conspiracy theories and AI-generated images to support her political views. She mentions that her monetization on the platform is linked to her verified status, which she did not actively seek. This illustrates how the platform’s monetization policies may inadvertently encourage the spread of misinformation.

The video concludes by emphasizing the broader implications of misleading posts on X, as they can spill over into other social media platforms with larger audiences. This trend poses a risk to informed voting and democratic processes. The report also touches on other election-related news, including President Biden’s controversial remarks about Trump supporters, underscoring the charged political atmosphere leading up to the election.