The Political Power of Social Media
There has been a recent shift in millennial and influencer posting tactics on social media. Platforms which traditionally see content for the purpose of ‘#ads,’ self promotion and brand partnerships, are now interestingly being used to encourage political activism.
Refreshingly, those popular on social media have realised the power in which their words resonate with audiences. In the recent wake of political developments such as Brexit and Trump, young millennials are turning to social media to raise awareness and express their distress.
So is this a good thing? This week we have been discussing social media and it’s power to instantly change the political opinion of young impressionable people.
Musicians, artists and talent alike are turning to their social pages to shout about the state of the current political world.
There are 3 types of political poster kids; the impulsive and reactive outburst (usually built out of frustration), the relevant opinion and facts paired with a powerful image, finally, the minimalistic support post (usually just a visual and posted for the sake of being ‘politically aware’).
A study in 2015 from Pew research centre saw new developments in “Millennials and Political News” consumption. According to Pew’s findings, about 61 percent of millennials surveyed got news about politics and government from Facebook, while only 37 percent got that news from local TV.
The survey showed the importance of political opinion on social media and further highlights the need for genuine reporting on these platforms. Those who post should do so with the intention of ‘doing good’ and not ‘brainwash’ or give ‘misleading’ information.
There needs to be a balance between those doing good and a stop in celebrities posting for ‘the likes’ without any real idea of current affairs.
Whilst most are preaching for the better, there is a pattern of ‘who can be the most involved in the culture and politics of the world,’ boosting egos and helping their public image …perhaps it’s a case of ‘fashionable people making politics fashionable?’
The surge of millennial interest in politics since Brexit and Trump can only be a good thing!
We are the future and these influencers are a catalyst for change. It has only see a positive rise in young people trying to make this happen.
However, there is a lot at stake when ‘impressionables’ don’t understand the true facts behind their opinions and only absorbed their views because of what they saw on Instagram. What are we teaching the generation? People should be able to form their own judgement and follow the masses for the right reasons.
There is a huge benefit to be gained from the political interest of influencers. Compared to the usual selfies and contrived product placement, this is a step in the right direction in the world of social media. Finally influencers are encouraging change!
As a young agency, we are mindful about the future of influencer power within the political sphere. If the wrong message is given then it can encourage ignorance and spread false facts, which prevent people from making their own judgements.
We thank these influencers for their help (so far), inspiration and brave words they share on social. Showing their involvement in rallies, marches or just politics, in general, can only take us one step closer to getting our voices heard.
Just don’t take everything you see on social media as gospel!
