Elon Musk’s X Under Scrutiny as Algorithm Propels Spanish Far-Right Influencer to Prominence
LONDON, UK – September 26, 2024 – A little-known Spanish influencer, Ada Lluch, has become a focal point of a growing debate surrounding the role of social media algorithms in amplifying extremist voices. Lluch’s meteoric rise on X (formerly Twitter), particularly after a viral interaction with Elon Musk, is raising questions about the platform’s impact on political polarization and the spread of far-right ideologies. This breaking news comes as Lluch gains attention for her participation in a recent ultra-right demonstration in London.
From Anonymous Student to Online Figurehead
Just two years ago, Ada Lluch was an anonymous medical student at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. According to sources and historical records, her social media presence was unremarkable. However, in late 2022, her X account began experiencing exponential growth, coinciding with Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform and subsequent algorithmic changes. The turning point? A tweet in English stating, “Woke men are unable to satisfy women.” This message went viral, receiving a like from Musk himself and ultimately garnering millions of reposts and responses.
Lluch’s online persona quickly aligned with US Trumpism, focusing on anti-woke, anti-feminist, and anti-immigration themes. Her follower count surged from just over 3,000 to over 350,000, rivaling established figures within the Spanish far-right political sphere like Vito Quiles and Javier Negre. Interestingly, this popularity hasn’t translated to other platforms; her Instagram following remains significantly smaller, and her presence on YouTube and TikTok is minimal.
The X Factor: Algorithm and Amplification
Critics argue that Lluch’s success is less about genuine organic growth and more about X’s algorithm actively prioritizing her content. The platform’s changes, implemented after Musk’s takeover, appear to favor controversial and often extreme viewpoints. “There is so much the difference between Twitter and the rest of the records about it that it might seem that Ada Lluch is only an identity in X, unrelated to the real person behind the account,” one analysis noted. This raises concerns about the platform’s responsibility in shaping public discourse and potentially radicalizing users.
Evergreen Insight: The phenomenon of algorithmic amplification isn’t new. Social media platforms have long been criticized for creating “echo chambers” and filter bubbles, where users are primarily exposed to information confirming their existing beliefs. However, the extent to which X’s algorithm is actively promoting potentially harmful ideologies is a particularly pressing concern. Understanding how these algorithms work – and their potential biases – is crucial for navigating the modern information landscape. For readers interested in learning more about algorithmic bias, resources from the Electronic Frontier Foundation offer valuable insights.
Connections to the American Right
Lluch’s trajectory took another turn when she married Joey Mannarino, a prominent figure in the American Maga movement. She reportedly relocated to the US, appearing in photos with controversial figures like Steve Bannon and Donald Trump himself. While now reportedly separated from Mannarino, her connections to the American far-right have further solidified her position within the global extremist network.
In a recent viral video, Lluch claimed she felt safer in South Korea than in Italy, America, or Spain, attributing the difference to “illegal immigration” and a supposed “globalist agenda to destroy the West.” She directly urged viewers to vote for Donald Trump, framing him as the only solution to these perceived threats. This direct call to action highlights the increasingly intertwined nature of international far-right movements.
A New Breed of Political Influencer?
Lluch’s recent participation in the “Unite the Kingdom” ultra-right demonstration in London has brought her increased media attention. She describes her follower growth as “organic,” but many remain skeptical, pointing to the platform’s algorithmic influence. Even some within the Spanish far-right community have questioned her level of intellectual depth, with comments on platforms like Wall Street Wolverine suggesting her views aren’t particularly nuanced.
Lluch’s story serves as a stark reminder of the power of social media to shape political narratives and elevate previously unknown voices. As platforms like X continue to evolve, understanding the dynamics between algorithms, influencers, and political ideologies will be essential for safeguarding democratic discourse and combating the spread of extremism. The case of Ada Lluch is a developing story, and archyde.com will continue to provide updates as they become available. Stay informed and engage with critical analysis of the digital world – explore our technology section for more in-depth coverage.
