Unveiling a Conspiracy-Driven Back-and-Forth on X
The Dark Side of Community Note Evaluation
In today’s digital age, news consumption has become instantaneous and widespread. With the rise of social media platforms, citizens have the power to contribute to the news landscape through user-generated content. However, this democratized approach to news dissemination raises questions about the credibility and objectivity of the information being shared. Such concerns are exemplified in a recent controversy involving X, an online platform where contributors evaluate news articles using Community Notes.
Photograph Raises Suspicion
A disturbing photograph posted by Israel’s official account on X has sparked a heated debate among contributors. The image, depicting a blood-stained child’s room, is accompanied by a caption that suggests it could be the aftermath of a horrific event. The publication, seemingly aimed at invoking an emotional reaction, leaves no doubt about the authenticity of the image. However, among the contributors hidden in the backend of Community Notes, a conspiracy-driven back-and-forth unfolds.
The Staging Theory
One contributor boldly claims that the dark red hue of the blood in the photograph indicates staging. They argue that deoxygenated blood typically appears darker, suggesting a manipulation of the visual elements to provoke a specific response from the audience. This perspective casts doubt on the credibility of the publication, accusing it of employing manipulative tactics to manipulate its readers.
Debunking the Montage Claims
Another contributor discredits the theory that the image is a montage, highlighting the lack of evidence supporting such allegations. They point out that a Wikipedia article about blood cannot be considered as proof of a setup. By challenging the validity of the claims against the image, this perspective questions the motives of those engaging in the conspiracy-driven discussion.
Contextualizing the Image
Amidst the controversy, another contributor emphasizes the need for evidence linking the photograph to the October 7 attacks. They argue that without concrete proof, assumptions about the photo’s relevance to a particular event should not be made. This perspective urges readers to approach the image with caution and not jump to hasty conclusions.
Evaluating the Evaluation Process
The heated exchange among Community Notes contributors raises concerns about the approval process for participants as well as the factors considered before granting them grades. Unfortunately, the inner workings of X’s contributor selection process remain shrouded in mystery. X’s representative, Benarroch, declined to provide any insight into how contributors are chosen.
A Lack of Training
According to several taxpayers interviewed by WIRED, one common observation is the absence of training for contributors. It appears that those approved for the system receive no formal guidance or instruction. The only initial limitation imposed is the requirement to grade other notes before being allowed to provide new ones. Some contributors claim that this approval process can be completed in less than six hours, raising concerns about the thoroughness of evaluations.
The Elusive Definition of “Useful”
In order for Community Notes to be publicly attached to a post, they must receive approval from a certain number of contributors. However, the exact number required remains undisclosed. X describes these notes as “useful” when they receive contributions from individuals with different perspectives. The evaluation of a user’s political leanings is also a topic of ambiguity. While X employs a technique called bridge-based classification, which favors positive interactions from individuals of varying viewpoints, some contributors are still unsure about how this mechanism truly works.
Perspectives from Within
Anna, a former UK-based journalist who was invited to become a Community Notes contributor, confesses her skepticism about X’s ability to determine users’ perspectives. She questions the feasibility of such an evaluation method, particularly considering the constantly changing nature of news topics. New developments could emerge that a contributor could not have been qualified on. Anna’s concerns highlight the potential limitations and challenges faced by X in accurately gauging contributors’ viewpoints.
Unveiling the Unknown: Backstage at X
The controversy surrounding X’s Community Notes not only shines a light on the potential manipulation of information but also raises broader questions about the platform’s integrity. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to address these concerns and seek solutions that uphold transparency and trust in citizen journalism.
Summary
X, an online platform for news evaluation through Community Notes, finds itself embroiled in a controversy over a photograph posted by Israel’s official account. Contributors engaging in a back-and-forth debate raise doubts about the image’s authenticity and manipulation of emotions. The approval process, selection criteria, and training of contributors come into question, highlighting the need for transparency. X’s classification technique based on positive interactions from individuals with different perspectives raises challenges in evaluating users’ leanings. As the platform navigates these challenges, it must strive to uphold journalistic integrity in the age of digital news dissemination.
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On Saturday, Israel’s official account on X posted a photograph of what appears to be a child’s room with blood covering the floor. “This could be his son’s bedroom. Without words,” the publication reads. There is no suggestion that the image is fake and publicly there are no notes on the post. However, in the backend of Community Notes, seen by WIRED, several contributors are engaging in a conspiracy-driven back-and-forth.
“Deoxygenated blood has a dark red hue, so this is staged,” wrote one contributor. “Publication with manipulative intent that tries to create an emotional reaction in the reader by relating words and images in a decontextualized way,” writes another.
“There is no evidence that this image is a montage. A Wikipedia article about blood is not proof that this is a setup,” writes another contributor.
“There is no evidence that this photo belongs to the October 7 attacks,” says another.
These types of exchanges raise questions about how X approves contributors for the program, but this, along with exactly what factors are considered before approving each grade, remains an unknown. X’s Benarroch did not answer questions about how contributors are chosen.
None of those approved for the system receive training, according to all the taxpayers WIRED spoke to, and the only limitation imposed on taxpayers initially is the inability to write new notes until they have graded other notes first. One contributor says this approval process can take less than six hours.
For notes to be publicly attached to a post, they must be approved as “useful” by a certain number of contributors, although it is unclear how many. X describes “useful” notes as those that get “enough contributors from different perspectives.” Benarroch did not say how X evaluates a user’s political leanings. However, the system at least previously employed a technique known as bridge based classification favor notes that receive positive interactions from users who are believed to have different points of view. Still, at least some Community Notes contributors are unclear about how this works.
“I don’t see any mechanism by which they can tell what perspective people have,” Anna, a former UK-based journalist who was invited by X to become a Community Notes contributor, tells WIRED. “To be honest, I don’t really see how that would work, because new topics come up that you couldn’t have been qualified on.” Anna asked to be identified only by her first name for fear of negative reactions from other X users.
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