Did you enjoy Nato? Computer says 'Yes' you did

A study by Cardiff University reveals the Nato summit held in Newport and Cardiff last week had an “Olympic effect”.

Researchers at Cardiff University studying community reactions have found wide variations at first in public perceptions of the event.

• Overall commentary on social media about the summit was negative
• The initial appearance of lots of police and especially armed officers generated a negative public reaction, but this changed when many posed for ‘selfies’
• Events staged in Cardiff Bay with the warships and a fly-past generated a far more positive public mood despite the general disruption

Watch: Police release 'thank you' video for NATO Summit

The university's computer scientists used social science methods to assess community reaction in an experiment examining “mass” reactions to events on social media whilst also homing in on specific incidents as they were unfolding on the ground.

Professor Martin Innes said, ““In some ways, this was reminiscent of the “Olympic effect”: negativity beforehand, but more positivity as the event began.”