Trump released an AI‑generated clip aimed at critics, while Polish Prime Minister Tusk shared statistical charts, sparking debate over political messaging on social media.
Social Media Algorithms Prioritize Emotion
The author contends that social‑media algorithms are driven by biological reflexes, not reason. Content that keeps users’ eyes or thumbs engaged—increasing view time or emotional reaction—is promoted, leading the system to present each side with both supportive and opposing messages, deepening polarization.
Trump’s AI‑Generated Video
Trump’s clip, produced with artificial intelligence, attacks opponents with a short message that effectively says “s**** you,” while simultaneously telling supporters to treat protesters the same. Its visceral content incites outrage and comment threads, an outcome the author attributes to the emotion‑based algorithmic push.
Tusk’s Statistical Response
Tusk posted charts aimed at countering Trump’s narrative, but the effort seemed ineffective. His plan to keep opposition from emerging failed as parties like Konfederacja and Korona Braun rose. Mentzen exploited the platform to signal that traditional media are useless, realising that social‑media accounts are now the main political battleground.
Polish Populist Parties’ Digital War
Kaczyński’s strategy to suppress alternative voices backfired, allowing Konfederacja and Korona Braun to gain traction. These groups targeted younger voters, presenting themselves as more authentic than PiS, whose attempts such as the hashtag “2 years of chaos” were co‑opted by rivals, illustrating waning influence among the youth.
Limits of Numbers in Political Persuasion
Examples of industrial growth and budget deficits show that raw figures, even when billions, fail to resonate without narrative. The author argues that political messaging needs stories that connect emotionally, not just tables and statistical displays, and that procedure‑heavy liberal approaches struggle to engage online audiences.
