The research team analyzed posts from members of the 117th Congress on X over a two-year term. They identified thousands of gun-related posts and matched them to more than a thousand mass shooting incidents between January 2021 and January 2023. To test cause and effect, the authors combined causal discovery methods with statistical models and topic analysis.
Results showed Democrats were nearly four times more likely than Republicans to post about guns after mass shootings. Democratic posting rose within roughly two days and increased with shooting severity, especially when there were more fatalities or when the incident occurred in a lawmaker's home state. Republicans showed no similar causal response.
Topic analysis found clear differences: Democrats focused on legislation, communities, families and victims, while Republicans emphasized Second Amendment rights, law enforcement and crime. The authors note attention peaks immediately and falls within about 48 hours, so continued public pressure may be needed.
Difficult words
- analyze — examine data or information carefullyanalyzed
- incident — an event, often negative or violentincidents
- causal — showing a connection of cause and effect
- severity — how serious or bad a situation is
- fatality — a death caused by an accident or eventfatalities
- legislation — laws or proposed new laws
- attention — public or personal notice and interest
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think posting increased more when a shooting happened in a lawmaker's home state?
- The article says attention falls within about 48 hours. Should the public keep pressure after that? Why or why not?
- How might the different focuses of Democrats and Republicans change public discussion about guns?
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