Social Media is embedded in our everyday lives. We use it to keep up with our friends and families and the latest news from around the world.
When the recent Democratic National Convention happened, an acquaintance told me that even though he doesn’t watch the news, he keeps up with updates from TikTok influencers. He then asked me if traditional news organizations are threatened by this change, and I had some things to say.
One of social media’s main advantages in the political sphere is reaching a large and diversified audience rapidly. By avoiding conventional gatekeepers like news organizations, candidates can communicate with people directly through platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Politicians may now interact with voters in real-time, address issues as they arise, and even rapidly reply to criticism, which has democratized political debate.
Social media is crucial for keeping up with political developments for younger voters, who often receive news in bite-sized, easily digestible formats. According to a Pew Research Center analysis, social media is becoming the primary source of political news for nearly 19% of American adults.
However, the rise of social media as a primary news source has also posed significant challenges for traditional news media outlets. These media sources have always been essential in determining the direction and content of political discussions. They have acted as fact-checkers, ensuring the public is given accurate and fair information.
However, these positions have been challenged increasingly since the invention of social media. Nowadays, digital content producers and influencers—frequently with sizable fan bases—compete with traditional journalists for the public’s attention. By sharing content that speaks to their viewers personally, these influencers have the power to sway public opinion—sometimes even more so than traditional media.
This change has raised questions over the accuracy and consistency of the material making the rounds on social media. Social media platforms are full of false information and misinformation, unlike traditional news sources constrained by journalistic ethics and standards. Whether on purpose or not, influencers can propagate misleading stories, which in an election year can have negative consequences. Because these platforms lack editorial control, voters may be exposed to false material that distorts their perceptions and eventually affects how they vote.
Algorithms don’t help, either. Their very nature traps users in this box where they are only exposed to content that reinforces their existing beliefs. Traditional media outlets, which typically provide a broader range of viewpoints, are being sidelined in favor of content that caters to specific ideological niches.
Despite these challenges, traditional news media outlets still have an important role to play in the upcoming election. They must adapt to the changing media landscape by embracing digital platforms and finding new ways to engage with younger audiences. This could involve leveraging social media to amplify their content, collaborating with influencers to reach new demographics, or investing in fact-checking initiatives to combat the spread of misinformation.
Either way, there is room for all of us. Media is a large ecosystem; influencers are just a branch of that. That crabs-in-the-barrel mentality needs to go. Well, whatever it is, support your local media outlets… like the Defender!
