Twitter, compared to other social media sites, is filled with anon (anonymous) accounts. Many are bots, but less than you might think. Many users prefer to mask their Twitter activity behind an anonymous account. These accounts contain no personal identifiable information and no profile picture of the person behind the account.
Engagement and user growth on Twitter has grown since Elon Musk's takeover of the platform in 2022.
There are many good reasons why people might use anon accounts on Twitter.
Privacy concerns: Some Twitter users may want to protect their personal information and identity, particularly if they are sharing sensitive or controversial opinions or engaging in online activism that could put them at risk of harassment, doxxing, or other forms of online abuse.
Professional reasons: In some cases, Twitter users may use anonymous profiles to separate their personal and professional lives, particularly if they work in a field where expressing certain opinions or engaging in certain activities could be seen as unprofessional or damaging to their career.
Creative expression: Some Twitter users may choose anonymous profiles as a way to express themselves creatively, experiment with different identities or personas, or engage in satire or parody.
Social or cultural reasons: Some Twitter users may come from cultures or societies where it is frowned upon or even illegal to express certain opinions or engage in certain activities, such as criticizing the government or sharing personal stories about sensitive topics. Anonymity on social media may provide a way for these individuals to express themselves without fear of retribution.
Personal preference: Some Twitter users may choose to remain anonymous simply because they prefer it that way. They may feel more comfortable expressing their opinions or engaging in social media without the pressure of being judged or scrutinized based on their real-world identity.
If a government official has an anon account, it's likely due to a blend of all these reasons. We all know that expressing real opinions is not politically popular (for the most part).
Popular New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D) was recently caught using a "burner" anon Twitter account, according to another Twitter user. Let's examine what the account said and how she allegedly got caught.
Twitter user @realnikohouse responded to a tweet from @AOC "reminding her that she sends money to Nazis." Then, a random account responded to him "speaking in the first person" as if he attacked her. Moments later, the anon account, @zazasmoka, deleted the tweet. Moments after that, @zazasmoka deleted their entire account.
AOC's alleged burner account, @zazasmoka, is a true winner among anon accounts: featuring references to weed and anime in its handle and profile picture.
But that's not all. Another user, @dyingscribe, investigated the anon account's other tweets. The account appeared to be dedicated to clapping back at criticism of Ms. Ocasio-Cortez.
If this account is indeed a burner for Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, it would be a rare instance of a notable person's online alias being outed. It would also stir up controversy, as the account was caught making what appeared to be death threats:
She was even called out on this by another member of Congress, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green (R-GA):
Consul Media Intelligence has not verified that the account, @zazasmoka, is indeed used by Rep. Ocasio-Cortez. That identification power rests with Twitter alone. However, the behaviors exhibited by the account once the link was made is certainly evidence to the affirmative.
Social media is a powerful tool that can be wielded in many forms, from analyzing branding or launching awareness campaigns to simply creating an anon account to vent a user's verboten beliefs.
Modern businesses can use social media to grow and expand their presence in their industry. Here are several ways that businesses can analyze social media to grow and expand:
Better understand customers: Social media analysis can help businesses gain valuable insights into their customers' preferences, behaviors, and opinions. By monitoring social media conversations related to their brand, products, or industry, businesses can identify common themes, pain points, and opportunities for improvement. This information can be used to tailor marketing messages, improve customer service, or develop new products that better meet customers' needs.
Monitor competitors: Social media analysis can also help businesses keep an eye on their competitors' activities and strategies. By monitoring social media conversations related to their competitors, businesses can gain insights into their strengths and weaknesses, identify potential threats or opportunities, and adjust their own strategies accordingly.
Track brand reputation: Social media analysis can help businesses track their brand reputation and respond to customer feedback in a timely manner. By monitoring social media conversations related to their brand, businesses can identify and address any negative feedback or complaints, as well as amplify positive feedback.
Identify influencers: Social media analysis can help businesses identify influential individuals or communities that can help promote their brand or products. By monitoring social media conversations related to their industry, businesses can identify individuals with large followings or high engagement rates, and reach out to them for potential partnerships or collaborations.
Measure ROI: Finally, social media analysis can help businesses measure the return on investment (ROI) of their social media marketing efforts. By tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as engagement rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates, businesses can assess the effectiveness of their social media campaigns and make data-driven decisions to improve their outcomes.
Social media analysis provides businesses with valuable data and insights that can be used to inform marketing, sales, and product development strategies, ultimately helping them grow and succeed in their respective industries.
There's no need to rely on burner anon accounts to get your message out there. A targeted, effective social media strategy will get the job done. Contact us today or request a free trial to see how Consul Media Intelligence can help your business grow by analyzing its social media presence.