What social media can — and can't — tell us about the 2020 election

We have an unprecedented amount of data available, but it’s not as helpful as you might think, writes Lucy Anna Gray

Bernie Sanders eclipsed everyone in terms of both social media followers and real-life voters (AFP)

The #YangGang — the self-styled group of Andrew Yang supporters, whose ability to organise online has been well-documented — lamented as their candidate dropped out of the 2020 presidential race on Tuesday night.

Due to their positive efforts and renewed vigour, however, #Yang2024 quickly started trending after the businessman made his announcement at the New Hampshire primary.

Andrew Yang placed eighth in the key primary, after coming sixth at the Iowa caucus. It was inevitable the crowded Democratic field would thin out soon, with Michael Bennet and Patrick Deval falling less than 24 hours apart from Yang (Bennet dropped out merely minutes after.)