Read on Twitter
1/ At 11:44AM, @ANTHONYBLOGAN posted a Sputnik Insight (Kremlin Outlet), video saying that the explosion "Looks like a NUKE!"
About 3.5 hours later, he clarifies "Not a nuke" but still raises suspicion about the official story.
By then the video has over 2.1M views.
About 3.5 hours later, he clarifies "Not a nuke" but still raises suspicion about the official story.
By then the video has over 2.1M views.
2/ Only 11 minutes after @ANTHONYBLOGAN's original post, @MJVentrice posts a video from RT (Kremlin Outlet). He also says "looks like a nuke"
He tries to clarify quickly, but clearly doesn't want to delete the Tweet. It travels fast due to his verified status.
He tries to clarify quickly, but clearly doesn't want to delete the Tweet. It travels fast due to his verified status.
3/ About half an hour after @MJVentrice's post, @BasedPoland
posts this video.
This one clearly says it isn't a nuke, but given the nature of social media, it would have been best not to use that word at all.
posts this video.
This one clearly says it isn't a nuke, but given the nature of social media, it would have been best not to use that word at all.
4/ At about 1:12 PM, comedian @TitusNation irresponsibly furthers the "nuke" narrative.
He posts about it several times (twice referring to it as a nuke), before clearly stating it is NOT one.
This is in a span of under 20 minutes.
He posts about it several times (twice referring to it as a nuke), before clearly stating it is NOT one.
This is in a span of under 20 minutes.
5/ Hoaxy can visually show us what sort of impact these posts had.
I've attached images taken this afternoon, or you can see it live at this link.
https://hoaxy.iuni.iu.edu/#query=Nuke%20Beirut&sort=mixed&type=Twitter&lang=
I've attached images taken this afternoon, or you can see it live at this link.
https://hoaxy.iuni.iu.edu/#query=Nuke%20Beirut&sort=mixed&type=Twitter&lang=
6/ One of the first corrections that made it far came from @TorraineWalker at 1:17PM.
This is 5 minutes after @TitusNation's first post.
https://twitter.com/TorraineWalker/status/1290698344369717249?s=19
This is 5 minutes after @TitusNation's first post.
https://twitter.com/TorraineWalker/status/1290698344369717249?s=19
7/ Another big correction came from @mjgault at 1:59PM. Just over 2 hours after @ANTHONYBLOGAN's initial post.
As far as I can see, this was one of the first to include a specific link clearly debunking the claim.
https://twitter.com/mjgault/status/1290709035164020737?s=19
As far as I can see, this was one of the first to include a specific link clearly debunking the claim.
https://twitter.com/mjgault/status/1290709035164020737?s=19
8/ One of the most influential posts setting the narrative straight came from @Stonekettle at 2:34PM.
As of this moment, his post has about 700 RTs compared to the original from @ANTHONYBLOGAN
with only 400.
Thankfully, Truth won.
As of this moment, his post has about 700 RTs compared to the original from @ANTHONYBLOGAN
with only 400.
Thankfully, Truth won.
9/ So any lessons here?
For one, I think it's pretty telling that the original posts are still up. Reluctant clarifications aside, no one wanted to give up those precious internet points.
Seems like a pretty good argument for an "Edit" button though.
For one, I think it's pretty telling that the original posts are still up. Reluctant clarifications aside, no one wanted to give up those precious internet points.
Seems like a pretty good argument for an "Edit" button though.
10/ In the end, I think this is was a good reminder about choosing our words carefully. This is extra important for Verified accounts.
Even those with good intentions can cause damage. Be thoughtful with your words.
PS - Please stop linking Kremlin Propaganda Outlets.
Even those with good intentions can cause damage. Be thoughtful with your words.
PS - Please stop linking Kremlin Propaganda Outlets.
