Asian Trolls Mobilize Support for Rodrigo Chaves Amid Drug Seizure Announcement
Coordinated messages flood social media platforms in support of Costa Rica's President following security updates.
A series of coordinated comments praising Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves have emerged across social media platforms, particularly in response to a recent security announcement involving the seizure of 50 packages of cocaine.
The comments, which express gratitude for the government's efforts against insecurity, drug trafficking, and poverty, appeared shortly after the official Facebook page of the Presidency of the Republic published a video featuring Security Minister Mario Zamora discussing the drug bust.
Many of these comments originated from profiles with names commonly found in Vietnam, such as Nguyen Ngoc Phung, Phuong Linh, and Vu Minh Tú, among others.
These accounts vary in content, with some containing inappropriate material.
Similar messages were also posted in response to a recent event involving the First Lady, Signe Zeikate, who engaged in community art and recreational activities.
This phenomenon of mass engagement on social media by profiles apparently based in Asia is not new.
In May 2023, a ruling from the Constitutional Court criticizing President Chaves for insults directed at journalists attracted significant backlash, again seemingly orchestrated from Vietnam.
Hundreds of users posted negative comments and reactions on the official pages of various Costa Rican media outlets.
Recent interactions on government posts indicate a remarkable level of engagement, with the post regarding the security minister's announcement garnering over 1,150 comments within three hours.
The First Lady's post received more than 1,300 comments the following day, while a separate video featuring President Chaves approached 2,000 comments.
Reports suggest that many of these social media engagements derive from 'fake' accounts, though this does not apply universally.
Analysis indicates a distinct pattern in the behavior of these accounts, often referred to as 'trolls.' The coordinated nature of their interactions reveals that they typically react in unison.
For instance, if a particular post elicits anger, a collective reaction is frequently observed among the Vietnamese accounts.
Conversely, a post that incites amusement prompts a simultaneous shift in reactions across the group.
The activities surrounding these social media posts appear to enhance the visibility and response volume for the government’s official communications, demonstrating a strategic use of digital platforms for political support and public engagement.
The comments, which express gratitude for the government's efforts against insecurity, drug trafficking, and poverty, appeared shortly after the official Facebook page of the Presidency of the Republic published a video featuring Security Minister Mario Zamora discussing the drug bust.
Many of these comments originated from profiles with names commonly found in Vietnam, such as Nguyen Ngoc Phung, Phuong Linh, and Vu Minh Tú, among others.
These accounts vary in content, with some containing inappropriate material.
Similar messages were also posted in response to a recent event involving the First Lady, Signe Zeikate, who engaged in community art and recreational activities.
This phenomenon of mass engagement on social media by profiles apparently based in Asia is not new.
In May 2023, a ruling from the Constitutional Court criticizing President Chaves for insults directed at journalists attracted significant backlash, again seemingly orchestrated from Vietnam.
Hundreds of users posted negative comments and reactions on the official pages of various Costa Rican media outlets.
Recent interactions on government posts indicate a remarkable level of engagement, with the post regarding the security minister's announcement garnering over 1,150 comments within three hours.
The First Lady's post received more than 1,300 comments the following day, while a separate video featuring President Chaves approached 2,000 comments.
Reports suggest that many of these social media engagements derive from 'fake' accounts, though this does not apply universally.
Analysis indicates a distinct pattern in the behavior of these accounts, often referred to as 'trolls.' The coordinated nature of their interactions reveals that they typically react in unison.
For instance, if a particular post elicits anger, a collective reaction is frequently observed among the Vietnamese accounts.
Conversely, a post that incites amusement prompts a simultaneous shift in reactions across the group.
The activities surrounding these social media posts appear to enhance the visibility and response volume for the government’s official communications, demonstrating a strategic use of digital platforms for political support and public engagement.
