How do influencer agencies amplify divisive political messages?

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Influencer Agencies Amplify Divisive Political Messages Through Systematic Exploitation of Emotions and Algorithmic Boosts

Influencer agencies, in conjunction with paid cybertroopers and prominent figures, systematically weaponise emotions such as anger and fear to amplify divisive political messages, thereby increasing polarisation and securing votes. This amplification is facilitated by substantial political budgets and the strategic use of tech algorithms, which are employed to boost false narratives designed to foster animosity between different societal groups. The ultimate aim of these coordinated online campaigns is to incite racial provocation and deepen societal divisions for political gain.
Exploitation of Emotional Triggers for Virality

The operational model involves marketing agencies actively seeking to disseminate racist and divisive content. Posing as political aides, investigators from The Fourth's video, Bad Influence, exposed how these agencies collaborate with paid cybertroopers and influencers. Their objective is to exploit fundamental human emotions like anger and fear, leveraging them to achieve viral reach and influence electoral outcomes.
Mechanism of Algorithmic Amplification and False Narratives

Significant financial resources, described as multi-million-ringgit political budgets, are allocated to these operations. These funds are used not only to compensate influencers and cybertroopers but also to manipulate technological infrastructure. Tech algorithms are specifically employed to promote and boost the visibility of false stories, ensuring they reach a wide audience and effectively cultivate hatred towards perceived "others" within the populace.
Coordinated Messaging and Increased Racial Provocation

These efforts are framed as coordinated political messaging and sophisticated online campaigns. The content is strategically designed to increase racial provocation, preying on existing societal fault lines. This systematic approach aims to erode social cohesion by making ordinary citizens susceptible to narratives that foster animosity and division, ultimately serving to consolidate political power.
Observed Trends in Online Activity Related to Sensitive Issues

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has observed a significant increase in online activity and heightened public sentiment concerning issues related to race, religion, and the Royal Institution. Between January 2022 and May 2026, the MCMC issued 13,795 takedown requests for such content, with a notable surge from 197 requests in 2022 to 7,648 by 2024. While attribution requires deeper analysis, some of this heightened activity exhibits characteristics of Coordinated Inauthentic Behaviour.

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How do influencer agencies amplify divisive political messages?

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