Scottish independence: Currency top Twitter issue

Currency was the most talked-about referendum issue on Twitter, according to a Glasgow University study. Picture: TSPL

SCOTLAND’S currency in the event of a Yes vote in the independence referendum is the most talked-about campaign issue on Twitter, according to research from Glasgow University academics.

The university’s Policy Scotland group analysed around 750,000 messages sent on the social network between January and April, and found that currency, oil and EU membership were the three most commonly discussed topics in reference to September’s vote.

Researchers also found that almost 13,000 tweets relating to the CBI’s intervention in the referendum campaign were sent in April alone.

Michael Comerford of Policy Scotland said: “This research shows that the currency issue is one that dominates the discussion on Twitter. However, the chart for April shows how flash points in the debate can dominate traffic over shorter time periods.

“The prominence given to the CBI in twitter traffic following media coverage of the registration by the CBI as a recognised campaigner with the electoral commission and the subsequent departure of CBI member organisations illustrates this point.”

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