In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrencies, social media platforms play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing market trends. Twitter, in particular, has become a hub for crypto enthusiasts, influencers, and industry leaders to share their insights and engage with their followers. However, a disturbing trend of fake followers has emerged, casting a shadow over the credibility and authenticity of these accounts. Despite efforts to curb this issue, recent data from DAT Gamble reveals that the problem of fake followers remains persistent within the crypto community.
The Shiba Inu Phenomenon
One of the notable findings from DAT Gamble’s investigation is that Shiba Inu, a popular cryptocurrency, had the highest number of fake followers. Approximately 10.26 percent or 80,000 accounts associated with Shiba Inu were identified as fake. This revelation raises questions about the integrity of Shiba Inu’s social media presence and its potential impact on investors’ perceptions.
Twitter Blue’s Verification Subscription
In April 2023, Twitter introduced a new feature called Twitter Blue, offering users the option to subscribe for $8 a month to gain verification status. This move was intended to increase the platform’s revenue while discouraging bots and fake accounts from operating. However, despite this initiative, DAT Gamble’s investigation discovered that up to 10 percent of followers from the most followed crypto accounts are still fake.
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The Link Between Token Popularity and Fake Followers
DAT Gamble’s analysis suggests a possible correlation between the popularity of crypto tokens and the prevalence of fake followers. The investigation found that tokens like Shiba Inu, Avalanche, and Polygon, which boast a significant number of followers, also have a higher percentage of fake accounts. This observation highlights the need for increased vigilance when assessing the credibility and influence of accounts associated with popular tokens.
Crypto Influencers and Entrepreneurs Under Scrutiny
The study also shed light on the presence of fake followers among prominent crypto influencers and entrepreneurs. Notably, Samson Mo, a well-known figure in the crypto community, was found to have the highest percentage of fake followers, accounting for 10 percent of his total following on Twitter. Other notable individuals, such as Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, El Salvador President Naib Bukhale, and Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, also had a significant number of fake followers.
Identifying Fake Accounts
To combat the issue of fake followers, it is crucial to employ various methods for identification. DAT Gamble’s investigation suggests several indicators to consider, such as the account’s creation date, profile picture, account bio, and the content shared through tweets. Additionally, analyzing the account’s follower base can provide valuable insights into the authenticity of an individual’s following.
Twitter’s Battle Against Fake Accounts
Even Twitter’s most high-profile user, Elon Musk, has not been immune to the problem of fake followers. Over 6.7 million fake accounts currently follow him, indicating the scale of the issue. Musk himself has been proactive in combating this problem, calling out and reporting suspicious accounts.
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The Case of “Explain This Bob”
One prominent example that gained attention within the crypto community is the Twitter bot “Explain This Bob.” Created by Prabhu Biswil from India using OpenAI’s GPT-4 model, this bot aimed to comprehend and respond to tweets from users who tagged the account. However, following Elon Musk’s accusation of it being a scam, the account was suspended, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to address fraudulent activities.
Conclusion
The presence of fake followers on Twitter remains a persistent problem within the crypto landscape, casting doubts on the authenticity and credibility of accounts associated with popular tokens, influencers, and industry leaders. While Twitter has taken steps, such as the introduction of Twitter Blue, to address the issue, the data from DAT Gamble’s investigation reveals that the problem persists.
It is crucial for users and the crypto community at large to remain vigilant, employing various methods to identify and report fake accounts. By doing so, we can strive for a more transparent and reliable social media environment that supports genuine discussions and informed decision-making within the crypto space.
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