Recent MIG data shows that the discussion on the Israel-Hamas war appears to have a mix of both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine comments on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). However, the majority of hashtagged comments tend to lean more towards pro-Palestine sentiments.

On TikTok, pro-Palestine hashtags vastly outweigh pro-Israel hashtags in a way that is inconsistent with other social platforms across the internet. This discrepancy suggests that pro-Palestine content on TikTok may not be completely organic.

In addition, discussion about the Israel-Hamas conflict significantly increased on social media following the October 7 attack. Prior to the 7th, posts about Israel and Palestine on both X and TikTok were negligible and posts and views dramatically increased from October 7 on.

Posts Before and After October 7

Average daily posts on X 15 days before and after October 7

• Posts using the hashtag #israel reached a high of 251,331 on X on October 7.
• Posts using the hashtag #palestine reached a high of 136,498 on X on October 7.

• Posts using the hashtag #israel reached a high of 181,500 on TikTok on October 7.
• Posts using the hashtag #palestine reached a high of 403,872 on TikTok on October 14.

Pro-Palestine and Pro-Israel Hashtags

• Since October 6, 2023, interest levels in pro-Palestine hashtags (#palestine and #freepalestine) have skyrocketed.
• Based on total post counts and TikTok’s proprietary interest score, pro-Palestine posts reached a high of nearly 1 million between October 14-20, 2023.
• In contrast, pro-Israel hashtags on TikTok only reached a high of just over 113,000 between October 7-13, 2023.
• Pro-Palestine content on TikTok vastly outweighs pro-Israel content. Since October 6, there were a total of 10 times as many pro-Palestine hashtags on TikTok as pro-Israel hashtags.

• On X, pro-Israel and pro-Palestine hashtags are much closer in volume. Tracking the hashtags #israel, #standwithisrael, #palestine, and #freepalestine, MIG data shows divided discussions.
• At the end of October, pro-Palestine hashtags on X reached a high of approximately 250,000.
• Pro-Israel hashtags on X reached a high of approximately 83,000 at the beginning of November.
• Pro-Palestine content on X outweighs pro-Israel content, but only by less than double since the end of October.

What People Are Saying

Based on the content of the analyzed discussions online, it is apparent that the comments heavily favor Palestine.

Palestine

• There is a high usage of hashtags such as #FreePalestine, #Gaza_Genocide, and #IsraelisGenocidalState, which indicates strong criticism of Israel.
• Pro-Palestine comments often criticize Israel's actions and policies, accuse Israel of human rights violations, and express sympathy for the Palestinians.
• They also call for a halt to Israel's occupation and the recognition of Palestine's statehood.
• These comments also tend to criticize U.S. politicians and policies that support Israel, and call for solidarity movements for Palestine.

Israel

• Pro-Israel comments, on the other hand, often criticize Hamas and accuse them of terrorist activities.
• They argue that Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas' attacks, and some even call for the complete elimination of Hamas.
• These comments also often express concern for Israeli hostages and criticize the UN and U.S. politicians for their perceived support of Hamas.

Potentially Biased Content

The implications of MIG data raise concerns about the potential skewing or bias of content, especially on TikTok.

• Some commentors online suggest TikTok might be purposefully promoting or suppressing certain narratives, possibly as a result of commercial pressures or political influences.
• For example, Elon Musk's reaction to advertisers allegedly trying to influence X content raises questions about the potential for corporate or government influence over the dissemination of information on all social platforms.
• However, it is challenging to definitively determine whether the content is purposefully skewed, based on public comments alone.
• While the discussions suggest possible bias or skewing, they also reflect users' individual perceptions, which may be influenced by various factors.

Further research would be required to definitively establish the extent and nature of any potential skewing of content on TikTok.

Homeschooling in Brazil

Discussion About Homeschooling

MIG data shows that online discussions about homeschooling in Brazil are not particularly prominent.

• Low discussion suggests that it may not be a popular topic of conversation in relation to other current events or that it does not generate as much controversy or attention as other issues.
• However, the lack of discussion on homeschooling does not necessarily reflect a lack of interest or importance of the issue in the broader Brazilian context.

The top discussion topics in Brazil over the last 30 days do not include anything specifically related to homeschooling or education regulations.

Public Discussion About Education

• There is some discussion about education secretaries working on reinforcement schooling in 2024 due to almost 80% of students not learning anything during the pandemic.
• There are some calls for the adoption of homeschooling in response to Brazil's poor performance in PISA, a global student assessment.
• The fact that Bolsonaro's government had four Ministers of Education, each seemingly worse than the last, is also a point of dissatisfaction.

Jair Bolsonaro

Sentiment seems predominantly negative for Bolsonaro.

Positive

• Some defend Bolsonaro, arguing that he kept the country financially stable during the pandemic.
• They say poor performance in education is due to a system deeply entrenched in Marxism.
• Some also suggest that the criticisms are unfair given that Bolsonaro only had four years in power compared to the 14 years of PT rule.

Negative

• Some express disgust towards Bolsonaro, with references to a friend of his allegedly making inappropriate comments about women.
• Accusations of Bolsonaro inciting a coup, accusations that he’s a thief and corrupt with some demanding his arrest.
• Many criticisms focus on Bolsonaro's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with accusations of negligence and delay in vaccine procurement, contributing to a high death toll.
• Dissatisfaction with Bolsonaro, accusing him of having allowed inflation to grow more than da Silva.

Lula da Silva

Public opinion toward da Silva seems mixed.

Positive

• Some commenters applaud actions taken under Lula da Silva's administration, specifically in relation to actions against organized crime.
• They reference the confiscation of over 3 billion reals from organized crime, and laud the efforts of President Lula and his government.
• Praise for his recent negotiations with Germany, which resulted in significant investment in a high-tech lab to combat pandemics.
• The government's Desenrola Brasil program, which aims to help citizens resolve their debts, is praised by some users who view it as a positive initiative from the Silva government.

Negative

• Criticism for indirectly contributing to Bolsonaro's rise to power and accuse him of involvement in various frauds.
• Some call da Silva a thief and a criminal.
• Criticism for his comments comparing Israel's defense actions to genocide, with calls for balance from authorities.
• Some accuse him of supporting terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, while others defend him, stating that he would never support such groups.

From the online discussions about the Argentine presidential election between Javier Milei and Sergio Massa, latest MIG data reflected

• Significant increase in Ideologies, Int’l Affairs, and Security Issues
• No major decreases across other topics
• Ideologies may have been seen as the deciding factor in the late stages over Fiscal Policy

Ideologies

Agent of Change, Concern

• Supporters excited for anti-woke, anti-left 
• Seen as beacon of freedom 
• Traditional rallying cry used online “Vive La Libetard” (long live freedom) 
• Some voters worry for return to neoliberal policies 
• Some voters also dissaprove of confrontational style 

Of note, a sharp increase in sentiment (and volume) was only reflected concerning Milei on the day of the election.

Fiscal Policy

Less Discussed, But Less Disliked

• Going back to October 31st, the average sentiment scores for Fiscal Policy were
  • Massa: 38
  • Milei: 42

Many commenters express criticism towards the previous leadership of Sergio Massa and Alberto Fernández, blaming them for high inflation, poverty, unemployment, security issues, and a significant deficit. Milei is seen as promising to lower inflation and fix the fiscal deficit. However, some commenters express concern about Milei's plans to privatize public companies like YPF, Télam, the Public TV, and National Radio.

General Election Analysis

Data appears to reflect a general tone, which is most voters sought a change in the status quo (economics, corruption).

MIG data indicating a Melei lead was accurate to the final vote tally

• MIG reporting
  • Melei 53%
  • Massa 47%
• Final vote
  • Melei 56%
  • Massa 44%

The overall view of Milei is mixed. Some comments express hope and congratulation, recognizing his victory and looking forward to the future under his leadership. There are also comments that seem to suggest his win was due to demagoguery and gained votes from traditional right-wing supporters and a high proportion of Schiaretti's supporters. Some express caution, stating that they hope Argentinians understand that the process under his leadership will be long.

Conclusion

• For the final ten days, there was a near statistical tie in Talking About and Head-to-Head, prior to a clear break at the end
  • Talking About
    • Massa: 3351/day
    • Melei: 3328/day
  • Head-to-Head
    • Massa: 50%
    • Melei: 50%
• The online discussions show a clear dissatisfaction toward Massa, many of the comments seeking change from the status quo pertaining to the economic conditions (inflation, poverty and unemployment rates), and for increasing the fiscal deficit.
• They also accuse him of corruption and deception. Some comments suggest that if Massa wins, the situation will worsen.
• Some users express support for Milei, blaming current economic problems on populist governments and expressing hope that Milei could bring about change.
  • e.g. proposed policies could reduce poverty and improve security
• Others express concerns about Milei's plans, suggesting that they might lead to unemployment and other economic issues.
• Melei is also accused of being associated with fascism, with some commenters express concerns about him allowing fascists to run rampant.
  • e.g. Some Melei supporters want to suppress freedom of expression.

Overall, the majority of comments seem to indicate a preference for Milei over Massa, driven primarily by dissatisfaction with the current economic situation they attribute to Massa's leadership.

Massa is criticized for his perceived hypocrisy such as his expensive Dolce & Gabbana jeans, which they view as contradictory to his image as a candidate who cares for the poor. They also criticize his supporters for protesting against insecurity, which they believe would only be a problem if Milei wins.

Milei on the other hand, is accused of being associated with fascism. Some commenters express concerns about him allowing fascists to run rampant. He is also criticized for having supporters who want to suppress freedom of expression.

Sergio Massa is viewed by some as using the state for his own benefit and the benefit of his friends. He is accused of not genuinely believing in social justice and using it as an argument to maintain his power. However, others express support for Massa, appreciating that he is not associated with certain ideologies or politics they disapprove of. There are also mentions of Massa receiving death threats and expressions of support in the face of such threats.

Javier Milei is seen by some as a champion of liberalism, with claims that he has done more for the people than any other politician by showing them a possible reality and encouraging hope. However, he also has critics who accuse him of not believing in democracy, the state, the nation, and social justice, and only believing in market freedom. Some criticize his proposals as a recipe for social and economic chaos. Others argue that Milei is not liberal but a right-wing conservative neoliberal, and fear a return to the neoliberal models of past presidents if he wins. However, Milei also has supporters who see him as the only candidate with plans to recover sovereignty and respect diverse lifestyles, and who believe that the future of Argentina is liberal.

Public Comments

• 🦁‼️ Los gorilas del mundo rendidos a los pies de Milei: los festejos de Bukele, Bolsonaro y Zelenski 👉 Vox, Elon Musk y Donald Trump también se sumaron a la victoria de La Libertad Avanza. (💣 Faltó Darth Vader)
• La logica indica que Milei va a ser Zelensky y va a terminar mal, o va a ser Boris Johnson y se va a diluir en su extremismo. En ambos casos lo van a repudiar los mismos que lo votaron.
• En este país no se habla de esto. No hablan los medios, no lo repiten 24hs como otras cosas. No lo ves en @c5n ni en @todonoticias día y noche. De esto no habla Massa, no habla Milei, ni Macri, Ni Larreta, Ni Alberto... La ciudad de Buenos Aires es sionista GAZA 💔
• me van a fallar los de milei si ahora en el bunker no cantan "anda a ver a una bruja, anda a ver a un doctor que te saque del orto la pija del leon"
• Pasen la data!.. igual es tristísimo ver a alguien tan preparado, que termine en una secta de delincuentes!😩😎 " SI GANA MILEI Quemó TODOS MIS LIBROS, TITULO DE HARDVARD Y MI TESIS DOCTORAL DE MAS DE 600 PAGINAS.." " YO CREO QUE NO VA OCURRIR..." (Atilio Boron) así dijo está eminencia, Politólogo y Sociólogo Ultrakirchnerista QUEREMOS SABER CUADO Y EN QUE LUGAR VA PRENDER LA HOGUERA
• Gracias Rusa linda Ganó Milei, sumando casi la totalidad de votos de la derecha tradicional de JxC y una muy alta proporción de Schiaretti. Con demagogia, ganaron parte del voto popular, contra un gobierno donde los ricos se enriquecieron y perdieron los que trabajan, producto del pacto con el FMI.
• JAJAJAJA Si gana Milei, solo ruego que los argentinos entiendan que el proceso es largo.
• Vos no laburas y vivis del Estado, el FMI presta plata al 4 por ciento, quien la pidio es el peronismo, al que vos no nombras obviamente porque sos el vagon de cola eterno, la putita del fascismo, hija de puta Ganó Milei, sumando casi la totalidad de votos de la derecha tradicional de JxC y una muy alta proporción de Schiaretti. Con demagogia, ganaron parte del voto popular, contra un gobierno donde los ricos se enriquecieron y perdieron los que trabajan, producto del pacto con el FMI.
• @SergioChouza @JMilei Tu pollo pide licencia y huye, pero seguiremos pagando su plan Platita que son 3 puntos del PBI y deja un déficit 2024 de -8% del PBI; similar al del 2020 cuando su gobierno que se va no nos dejaba trabajar y producir, REBIÉN NOS IBA PAYASO 🤡

TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is under scrutiny for its impact on American society. A recent Media Intelligence Group report highlights concerns regarding the platform's association with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its influence on Americans.

• The MIG report underlines a predominantly negative sentiment among Americans toward TikTok and its alignment with China.
• The data suggests many Americans believe the platform may be fostering the spread of woke ideologies they call the “woke mind virus.”
• Some believe leftist propaganda, particularly among younger generations, is shaping views on important issues like abortion, Ukraine, China, and Israel.
• Americans are growing increasingly apprehensive about TikTok's potential to influence political views, shaping public opinion that contradicts Western and American values.

Overall sentiment toward China in the last two weeks has hovered in the mid to low 40% range.

What Americans are Saying

MIG data reveals that Americans have multiple concerns about TikTok and China influence.

TikTok Concerns

• There are overall concerns about TikTok being controlled by a Chinese company and potentially being influenced by the CCP.
• Belief that TikTok’s ubiquity was intentional in the CCP’s strategic economic and ideological competition with America.
• There is a general sentiment that 'woke' culture and leftist ideologies are being spread and propagated by TikTok.
• Belief that Gen Z are particularly at risk of influence by social platforms like TikTok.
• Some express concern that TikTok could be playing a role in shaping perceptions specifically in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
• Concerns about the CCP's potential to economically and financially ruin the West.
• Fears of further infiltration, influence, and the propagation of ideologies that are seen as detrimental to American values.

Bipartisan Agreement About TikTok Propaganda

In recent comments, former president Obama expressed concerns that TikTok influencers were shaping perceptions about the Israel conflict saying, “The problem with the social media and trying — TikTok activism, and trying to debate this on that — is you can’t speak the truth.”

• Republicans seem to agree with the sentiment that TikTok activism is largely negative.
• But while Democrats and Republicans agree that misinformation and propaganda are an issue, they disagree about which narratives and ideologies are untrue.
• The data suggestions many Americans believe Democrats are not consistent in their foreign policy, particularly with regards to Ukraine and Israel.
• Those on the right are quite negative toward Democrats, accusing them of hypocrisy, spreading the "woke mind virus," and being responsible for societal problems.
• Left-leaning Americans, however, say Republicans are spreading oppression by supporting Israel in an ethnic cleansing operation and killing many civilians.

In the last two weeks, online sentiment toward Israel was low, dipping below 40% on most days with a low of 37%. Some commenters express concern that online ideological influence is a key driver of overall sentiment toward Israel.

Possible Congressional Investigations

• Concerns about TikTok's role in shaping public perceptions have been highlighted by the ongoing discussions of international conflicts, especially Israel and Hamas.
• This negative perception of TikTok, in connection with the CCP, has raised calls for congressional investigations.
• The potential for congressional investigations would likely intensify apprehensions and may significantly affect the platform's reputation and public perception.

Overall Media Influence

In addition to negative views of social platforms like TikTok, there are also negative sentiments toward media in general, including news and online platforms.

Pro-Palestine Activists

• Many pro-Palestine activists feel the wider media, outside of TikTok, is not accurately portraying the Israel situation, but instead favoring Israel.
• Activists involved in online discussions regarding the #freepalestine movement accuse the media of failing to report on what they believe to be atrocities and war crimes.
• They also suggest that the media is suppressing the voices of Palestinians and their supporters.
• Many are critical of the US government, accusing it of complicity due to its financial aid to Israel.

Conservative Censorship Complaints

• On the right, there is frustration with perceived bias in mainstream media coverage that unfairly vilifies Israel.
• There is a sense of dissatisfaction with the media, with some people accusing it of being a mouthpiece for leftist political ideologies.
• Many conservatives argue that big tech platforms and media organizations censor right-leaning ideologies.
• There is a perceived lack of coverage on issues like the origins Covid-19 and the role of the CCP in global affairs.

A common thread in the discussion on both sides is the notion of 'the other side' controlling the narrative.

A growing rift has emerged among Democrats over the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, according to a new Media Intelligence Report.

• Overall online sentiment toward Israel and Hamas has been split over the past week at 38% and 36% respectively.
• However, among Democrats, sentiment has been more evenly divided between Israel and Hamas
• at 45% each.
• These sentiment indicators highlight growing ideological differences between factions in the Democrat party.

The Dividing Line for Dems

• The MIG report identified a generational divide, with younger Democrats generally more critical of Israel than older members who emphasize Israel's security needs.
• Moderate Democrats urged a balanced approach, condemning Hamas while addressing Gaza's humanitarian plight.
• Some old-school Democrats decry what they see as a shocking increase in antisemitism among college students and far-left Democrats.
• These divisions are causing a rare crack in the normally unified Democrat front.

What Democrats Are Saying

Historically, Democrats tend to move in lockstep, coalescing around a common principle or ideology that drives progressive policy. That is not the case when it comes to Israel.

Support for Israel Among Democrats

• Some Democrats defend Israel's military actions as necessary self-defense against Hamas. They argue that Israel is responding to aggression and criticize Hamas for using civilians as human shields.
• Among these Democrats, there is support for Biden’s $14.5 billion in military aid for Israel, without humanitarian assistance for Gaza.
• Many view Hamas’ actions on October 7 as a “vile atrocity” that requires immediate response.
• Overall, many older and more moderate Democrats seem to be inclined to support Israel compared to younger, extremely progressive Democrats.
• Many in the Jewish community argue that pro-Palestine protestors misunderstand the threat from Hamas and overly simplify the complex history.

Pro-Palestine Democrats

• In contrast, many younger Democrats accuse Israel of war crimes and "genocide" in Gaza. The far left celebrated the terror attack, refused to condemn it, or suggested Israel bears responsibility.
• They call for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel and an immediate ceasefire.
• Recent pro-Palestine protests in Washington DC, suggest a growing sentiment in support of Palestine.
• These individuals argue that Palestinians are being disproportionately targeted and suffer more casualties compared to Israeli civilians.
• Protestors demand the Biden administration take a firmer pro-Palestine stance.
• Some demand steps be taken to hold Israeli leadership accountable for alleged atrocities. Many protesters also express support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.

Other Takeaways

• Overall, there seems to be a division over what constitutes antisemitism. Some say criticism of Israel equates antisemitism.
• Others argue that animosity towards Israel is growing, worsening antisemitism.
• Meanwhile, others argue criticism is not inherently antisemitic.
• In sum, the discourse reveals deep divisions not only between different political and ideological groups, but also within them.

As conflict broke out in early October between Israel and Hamas, Black Lives Matter also found itself in the spotlight. The left-wing activist group generated severe backlash and negativity over its public expressions of solidarity with Hamas, which it ostensibly walked back by deleting some X posts.

According to a report from Media Intelligence Group (MIG), online sentiment toward Black Lives Matter has become increasingly polarized following the organization's controversial remarks. While BLM supporters argue that opposing oppression should be a universal cause, a vast majority of Israel supporters see the comments as anti-Semitic and promoting terrorism.

The MIG report revealed that Black Lives Matter quickly became a top discussion subject online following its statements. During the second week of October, there were more than 9,000 people engaging in online debate about the movement daily.

Sentiment also dropped from 45% positive to 37% in the same week as ideological divisions grew more apparent. Since mid-October, discussion of BLM online has subsided but sentiment overall for leftist ideologies remains in the low 40% range.

Recent discoveries of financial mismanagement in BLM chapters have also fueled negative perceptions. The alleged BLM-linked murder of an Antifa activist has further stirred controversy about violence associated with the movement.

Overall, Black Lives Matter's vocal alignment with Hamas has made it a lightning rod issue, costing it support and retaining only vehement supporters. The complex public response reflects the overall contentious ideological debates sparked by the Israel-Hamas conflict.