Limitations
Do These APIs Exist?
Currently:
- Platforms share limited data (Twitter/X Academic API, Meta CrowdTangle)
- Mostly post-hoc, researcher-only access
- Not real-time, not this comprehensive
This exercise:
- Models what could exist with better transparency
- Uses synthetic data generated to match real behavioral patterns
- Demonstrates analysis techniques applicable to real data
What This Approach Might Miss
Sophisticated evasion:
- Slow-drip campaigns over weeks (low burst scores)
- Human-assisted coordination (not API-based)
- Authentic grassroots with digital coordination tools
False positives:
- Breaking news events (legitimate spikes)
- Activist campaigns (coordinated but authentic)
- Cultural posting patterns (synchronous by habit, not coordination)
Detection requires:
- Multiple signal convergence
- Context understanding
- Human judgment for edge cases