With Election Day less than 90 days away and mail-in voting beginning as early as September 6 in some states, social media’s role in engaging younger voters is more crucial than ever. Both the Trump and Harris campaigns recognize the platform’s significance, but its impact is worth evaluating.
While most members of Gen Z, born after 1996, are not yet eligible to vote, approximately 24 million will have their first opportunity to cast a ballot this November. This generation, along with Millennials, relies heavily on social media for news and information, placing it at the heart of contemporary politics and digital communication.
Recent events, such as the attempted assassination of former President Trump, have highlighted social media’s impact. The incident sparked diverse reactions online, with some seeing it as a testament to Trump’s resilience and a rallying point for his base, while others question details around the shooting. Information (and misinformation) spreads quickly, and social media algorithms often amplify the most sensational or controversial content. This can lead to polarized opinions and contribute to varied interpretations, intensifying existing political divides and influencing public perception in real-time.
Vice President Harris is also navigating the digital landscape. She is leveraging content from social media influencers to enhance her public image, aligning herself with popular trends and discussions to connect with younger voters. As Harris embraces a trend-conscious persona, her challenge will be to sustain this engagement as trends evolve and new content emerges.
The popularity of both candidates with young voters continues to fluctuate. Given social media’s ability to amplify positive and negative narratives, are these platforms more of a friend or foe in the political arena? The answer may help shape the outcome of the upcoming election.
