Earlier this week, Twitter started to suspend thousands of accounts that were reportedly created by Russian bots. In response, several high-profiled Donald Trump supporters and other conservatives complained that they have lost may followers from their personal Twitter accounts.
Conservatives lose thousands of followers as Twitter purges Russian bots from social network https://t.co/qtwQ7sV7EB pic.twitter.com/5M2zEN8reQ
— The Hill (@thehill) February 22, 2018
Twitter's purge
While the announcement has not yet been made by Twitter, reports have circulated that the company has purged their system and erased thousands of accounts that have been linked to Russia.
The issue of Russian social media hacking has been an ongoing issue ever since Donald Trump pulled off his shocking upset win over Hillary Clinton. Since then, social media platforms have been feeling the heat as to what they can do to stop the spread of misinformation coming from foreign countries, with Russia being at the top of the list.
For whatever reason, I lost over 2K followers last night. 2K! So you might have to re-follow. Check to make sure you are STILL following me.
— Larry Elder (@larryelder) February 21, 2018
As reported by The Hill on February 21, Twitter has deleted many accounts that reportedly originated in Russia, much to the chagrin of top conservative voices. "The Twitter purge is real.
You may have to re-follow me after last night if you’re interested in my content," conservative author Dan Bongino tweeted.
Hello @jack a lot of people are asking about #TwitterLockOut could the company please provide the criteria for erasing followers while folks sleep. I know there is a lot of pressure to be more responsible in curbing certain actions but that shouldn't extend to muting opinions
— Charles V Payne (@cvpayne) February 21, 2018
"For whatever reason, I lost over 2K followers last night.
2K! So you might have to re-follow. Check to make sure you are STILL following me," radio host Larry Elder tweeted out. "I lost 2K followers last night- 1st and 2nd amendment in jeopardy!" cartoonist Ben Garrison posted. "Could the company please provide the criteria for erasing followers while folks sleep," Fox Business host Charles Payne tweeted.
Mockery results
After the news broke that conservative figures were losing followers due to the reported Twitter purge of Russian bots, critics were quick to have some fun. "Retweet if you were not one of the people who lost a lot of their imaginary bot friends on Twitter last night!" one tweet read.
I’m net positive for #TwitterLockOut so far. I like to think it’s because I’m good at identify bots and diligent about blocking them. In reality, it’s probably because they’re easy to identify and why did it take this long?
— Josh Betz (@jshbz) February 22, 2018
"Can we call the Lock Out the Trolling Green Massacre?" a Twitter user wrote. "If you're still upset that Twitter removed thousands of Russian bot accounts last night, don't be.
Now is not the time to address this! They were all paid crisis actors, so stop politicizing this! These bots all knew what they had signed up for!" yet another tweet stated.
The #TwitterLockOut is hilarious. Curious, I didn’t lose any followers. No one in Russia likes me I suppose.
— Lance Smith (@LncSmth) February 22, 2018
Dear #Twitterlockout conservative fanatics. They are NOT only purging your accounts. Take one look at Mine and tell Me it's conservative. 😂😂#Getoverit
— Lilith Astaroth \m/ (@LilithAstaroth) February 22, 2018
Who's keeping track? Does anyone know how many followers did @realDonaldTrump lose in the #TwitterLockOut? Anyone? #inners #Maddow #CNN
— Ray Mitchell (@raymundmitchell) February 22, 2018
"The Lock Out is hilarious.
Curious, I didn’t lose any followers. No one in Russia likes me I suppose," a social media user wrote. The reactions continued as the purge of Twitter reportedly continued as many wait the social media company to address the situation with an offical statement.
