During the 2022 Brazil Election, a Cluster of Channels Attempted to Overwhelm YouTube with Pro-Bolsonaro Content

Experts have identified deliberate efforts to manipulate YouTube’s recommender algorithm, inundating users with pro-Bolsonaro content during the 2022 Brazil election.

Researchers from the University of Exeter and Instituto Vero have discovered a complex network of influencer-driven channels that shaped the political discourse during this crucial period. This network operated in conjunction with YouTube’s recommender algorithm, which also suggests content based on users’ viewing habits.

These influencer-driven videos were promoted through mentions, tags, interviews, and shorter video formats, effectively amplifying the visibility of political videos and channels. The majority of this content aligned with the right-wing presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro’s ideologies.

The researchers received assistance from a dedicated team of volunteers who collected over 1,200 videos using relevant search keywords, capturing at least 30,000 recommended videos. These videos were analyzed between October 10th and November 30th, 2022, coinciding with the first and second rounds of the Brazilian elections.

Building upon Mozilla’s RegretsReporter browser extension, the University of Exeter and Instituto Vero created five clusters of analyzed videos, providing insight into the interconnections between recommended videos and channels.

After clustering the videos, they were further categorized into five thematic groups: Threats to Democracy, Candidates/Elections, Public Policy, Religion, and Other. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were utilized to gain a comprehensive understanding of the relationships within these thematic categories.

Despite an equal distribution of videos between right- and left-leaning political camps, pro-Bolsonaro narratives received the most recommendations across all five cluster channel groups. These groups include Lula and diverse media, Bolsonaro and diverse media, liberal media, podcasts and radio shows, and the secondary Bolsonarista cluster.

Furthermore, channels featuring content labeled as “threats to democracy,” such as voter fraud and corruption, received the majority of recommendations (37%). Among these recommendations, groups B, D, and E—predominantly Bolsonaro affiliated channels—featured more than half of the content categorized as “threats to democracy.”

A significant majority of participants identified a strong connection between politics and social and economic issues. Public security, race, LGBT+ rights, and the economy were ranked as key political themes, while transportation, health, education, indigenous and feminist issues were considered adjacent to politics.

The content on YouTube accurately reflects the electoral climate. Over 65% of the analyzed videos fell into the “candidates and elections” category, encompassing candidate campaigns, debates, political analysis, and voting information.

Dr. Chico Camargo, Lecturer in Computer Science at the University of Exeter and project coordinator, stated, “Our study delves deeper into the networks and communities of content creators that coexist with YouTube’s recommender algorithm. These networks intentionally inject political influence into the content that users see.”

Dr. Beatrice Bonami, head of science and innovation at VERO institute, added, “Although platforms are designed for consumer use, this report highlights the fact that citizens actively engage in political decision-making through online content consumption. It is essential to address this reality if we want to protect and foster democracy.”

Becca Ricks, Head of Open Source Research & Investigations at Mozilla, emphasized the importance of crowdsourced research in understanding users’ real-time experiences on platforms. This valuable insight allows for a better understanding of how these influential platforms impact individuals and society.

 

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Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.