Identification of Opinion Leaders in a Telegram Network of Forwarded Messages

Abstract: Unraveling the role of opinion leaders in the digital realm, this study investigates the influence of key actors on Telegram, a hybrid platform that combines messaging app features with social network dynamics, where channel administrators gain a unique authoritative role. This research aims to create a method to identify opinion leaders in a network of forwarded messages on Telegram, adapting a method originally developed to be applied to Twitter. The adapted method is showcased through a case study during the 2022 Brazilian Presidential Election, involving the monitoring of 25 pro-Bolsonaro groups. The findings contribute to understanding the dynamics of digital opinion leadership, particularly in politically charged environments.