The Role of X Premium in Amplifying Threat Narratives: A Case Study of Zohran Mamdani's 2025 NYC Mayoral Candidacy

Quintafila Aufar Salihin, Dr. Dedy Permadi, S.I.P., M.A., Ph.D.

2026 | Skripsi | Ilmu Hubungan Internasional

Following Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, now known as X, many have raised concerns over the decisions made regarding the platform’s mechanisms, algorithm, and Musk’s political affiliations in regards to the platform. One of the many controversial changes made was the site’s verification system. Previously used to mark official accounts of public or political figures, the blue check mark now indicates that the user is an X Premium subscriber. The subscription also means that subscribed users could earn revenue from their posts on the platform. The more interactions a verified post gets, the higher the payout. This thesis seeks to examine the role of X Premium in the amplification of securitizing narratives on the social media platform X during Zohran Mamdani’s 2025 NYC Mayoral candidacy. This thesis examined 10 X Premium accounts between the dates of June 24, 2025 – November 11, 2025. Findings show that the economic logic of X Premium coincides with certain key aspects of the securitization process. Analyzing 1052 posts through Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), this research has found that X Premium accounts deployed many discursive strategies aimed at garnering attention when speaking of Zohran Mamdani’s candidacy. Securitizing language was heavily present in the database, along with many others. These findings help further develop the understanding of social media’s already volatile relationship with politics and elections. 

Following Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, now known as X, many have raised concerns over the decisions made regarding the platform’s mechanisms, algorithm, and Musk’s political affiliations in regards to the platform. One of the many controversial changes made was the site’s verification system. Previously used to mark official accounts of public or political figures, the blue check mark now indicates that the user is an X Premium subscriber. The subscription also means that subscribed users could earn revenue from their posts on the platform. The more interactions a verified post gets, the higher the payout. This thesis seeks to examine the role of X Premium in the amplification of securitizing narratives on the social media platform X during Zohran Mamdani’s 2025 NYC Mayoral candidacy. This thesis examined 10 X Premium accounts between the dates of June 24, 2025 – November 11, 2025. Findings show that the economic logic of X Premium coincides with certain key aspects of the securitization process. Analyzing 1052 posts through Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), this research has found that X Premium accounts deployed many discursive strategies aimed at garnering attention when speaking of Zohran Mamdani’s candidacy. Securitizing language was heavily present in the database, along with many others. These findings help further develop the understanding of social media’s already volatile relationship with politics and elections. 

Kata Kunci : X, X Premium, Twitter, Zohran Mamdani, Securitization