What did Facebook users think of the first GOP debate?
Facebook was one of the sponsors of Thursday night's GOP primary debate on Fox News, and on Friday, the social networking giant released some illuminating data on how its users reacted to the big event.
In total, 7.5 million U.S. Facebook users generated 20 million interactions (likes, posts, comments, and shares) about the GOP debate.
The top "social moment of the debate" on Facebook was the heated war of words between Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie over government surveillance programs. (Christie accused Paul of "blowing hot air" on the subject, and Paul ribbed Christie for embracing President Obama in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.)
The most-discussed political topics on Facebook during the debate were, in order, immigration, "racial issues," the economy, education, and abortion.
And the most talked-about candidates during the debate were, in order, businessman Donald Trump, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, Paul, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, and Christie.
Facebook has previously released data on which candidates generated the most buzz on the day of their presidential launch, and which candidates have generated the most buzz during their full time in the race.