After K. Žukauskas' actions against 'Nemuno aušra' – accounts blocked and a possible bot attack
K. Žukauskas reported a surge in followers on social media attributed to a bot attack that has affected his account.
K. Žukauskas recently addressed concerns via Facebook regarding a surge in his followers, claiming that this influx to his account is due to bot attacks. He noted that he lost access to his 'professional mode' due to restrictions from these attacks, but has since regained it, and observed that his follower count jumped from approximately 58,000 to around 87,000 almost overnight. This rapid increase raises questions about the authenticity of these new followers and can influence public perception.
He also referenced political rivalries, indicating that such sudden spikes in follower counts could be strategically used to bolster public image, specifically mentioning potential reactions from rivals like Žemaitaitis or Janutienė. He expressed skepticism regarding the authenticity of these followers, noting that such tactics could mislead voters and distract from legitimate discourse. By framing the situation this way, Žukauskas emphasizes the manipulative aspects of social media in the political arena.
This incident highlights the ongoing struggle within Lithuanian social media environments, where political figures face challenges from both automated bots and online manipulation. The implications of bot activity, especially in political contexts, raise ethical concerns regarding voter influence and the integrity of social media platforms. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the responses of political figures and the broader implications for digital politics in Lithuania.