Social media answers key questions on the EU referendum

The referendum campaign has had a big impact on social media, with mediums such as Facebook and Twitter seeming to take center place as sources of information and debate. We look at how social media has reacted to key issues, which campaigner has been most talked about and how the discussion has changed over time.

1. Who’s been most talked about?

Looking at mentions of the four leading campaigners, David Cameron has heavily dominated the conversation on Twitter, followed by Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn. As Prime Minister, David Cameron’s prominence in the debate is to be expected, however Vote Leave may be disappointed that Nigel Farage has more mentions than Boris Johnson, who is part of the official campaign group.

2. Which campaign has been most talked about?

Looking at mentions of twitter handles associated with both campaigns (bearing in mind that a mention doesn’t equate with support) the Leave campaign has heavily dominated conversation on Twitter. Whether this is because there is more controversy around the leave campaign or its supporters are simply more vocal, there’s a clear dominance on social media.

3. Which issues have been most talked about?
The economy has driven conversation on Twitter, followed by foreign relations, immigration and security. Given the primacy of immigration in the debate over the EU its position in third place may come as a surprise, although immigration’s position at the top of the list is to be expected.

Download the full Vuelio stakeholder response and media analysis summary here