Your political tweets might not be changing anyone’s mind.

Natalie Davis
Sep 3, 2018 · 2 min read

https://mashable.com/2018/08/30/pew-social-media-change-views/#bwa9lJ.w1iqn

In an era of online activism and political hashtags, one study from Pew Research Center describes that exposure via social media to differing views has not had most Americans change their own opinion.

According to the study, of the 4,594 US adults that were surveyed between May 29 and June 11, only 14% stated their opinions regarding political or social issues have changed in the past year due to social media posts. Furthermore, the study found that more left-leaning independents have changed their views this year than right-leaning independents.

What I found to be most interesting about this article and study is that in a similar study from 2016, Pew Research Center found that 20% of social media users had adjusted their opinions. The distinction between the two studies is the specification in this newer study of changes being from the past year.

I am someone who heavily relies on social media as means of political discussion and activism. I have definitely altered my opinions based upon research that I have found — some of this research being arguments I have seen other social media users making in defense of their opinions. I have personally changed stances regarding transgenderism and gender identity as a result of social media and further research.

What I am interested to know more about is whether or not people are conscious about the changes and evolution of their opinions regarding political and social issues. Realistically, one tweet about #BlackLivesMatter or a retweet in support of Trump will not change the opposing side’s viewpoint. However, it may plant the seed for further investigation and the development of new ideas. I would be interested to see if any of these people who say that social media has not changed their opinions have changed opinions at all in the past year, and if so, what influenced it?

Natalie Davis

Written by

Love this planet, we only get 1.