Not long ago, political campaigns leaned heavily on televised debates, newspaper ads, and a whole lot of door-knocking. Messages were filtered through journalists, press secretaries, and news anchors: carefully curated and often one-sided.
Today, platforms like X, Instagram, and Facebook have flipped that script. Candidates now speak directly to voters in real time, shaping their own narratives without waiting for the evening news.
Social media has become a game-changer in the political world, offering new ways to connect and mobilize. But with great power comes a fair share of baggage: think misinformation, polarization, and algorithms that know your political leanings better than your family does. Let’s dive into the ups, downs, and growing influence of social media in modern political campaigns.
Just two decades ago, politicians had to rely on press conferences and news outlets to get their message out. These traditional methods are quickly becoming relics of the past. Today, social media offers candidates a direct line to voters through tools like:
With social media platforms, candidates can respond to criticism instantly, post unfiltered thoughts (for better or worse), and build a personal brand that resonates with supporters—something that static newspaper ads simply can’t do.
Take President Donald Trump, for example. During the 2016 presidential primaries, he used Twitter (now X) to share controversial views and policy stances, often bypassing traditional media entirely. His tweets dominated news cycles, increased his media visibility, helped energize a loyal base, and drew public attention on his terms.
The upsides of using social media on the campaign trail are hard to ignore, from immediate access to voters to outreach strategies that don’t break the bank.
Here’s a closer look at the key advantages:
Of course, social media isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. Like any tool with perks, there are bound to be pitfalls, and social media is no exception. Below, we explore some of the most pressing drawbacks.
Misinformation can spread like wildfire, often faster than factual content. While social media can be wielded for good (think: educating voters, mobilizing communities), it can just as easily be used to mislead and manipulate.
Here are some core misinformation concerns that campaign teams should watch for:
Your social media algorithm knows you a little too well. Cat lovers are flooded with silly feline videos, while health-food enthusiasts are served endless reels of vegan meal prep inspiration. The same goes for political content.
Your feed reflects your past likes, shares, and clicks, reinforcing your existing views. Over time, this can lead to echo chambers: online spaces where people mostly encounter opinions that mirror their own. When that happens, meaningful political discourse can take a hit.
Here’s how:
If you’re fascinated by how social media is reshaping politics—and you’re ready to dive into the forces that influence public opinion, policy, and power—UT Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science is a wise next step.
Whether you see yourself as a future policy analyst, campaign staffer, lawyer, political scientist, or diplomat, this program gives you the foundation to succeed in a wide range of roles. And with 100% online courses, you’ll have the flexibility to complete your degree on your own time—without putting your work or personal life on hold.
Ready to explore where a poli sci degree can take you? Reach out today—or take the leap and apply now.
Sources:
https://uclpress.co.uk/trumps-ascent-via-twitter/
https://georgiarecorder.com/2022/06/06/georgias-high-dollar-election-campaign-battles-now-waged-in-your-social-media-feeds
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/facebook-takedowns-reveal-sophistication-of-russian-trolls
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly74mpy8klo
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