The story unfolds in the midst of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, where social media—once a major tool for political engagement and information—is now viewed with growing suspicion. In 2020, Facebook and Instagram had been vital sources of political information for millions, with people using these platforms to follow candidates, stay informed on policies, and express their views. However, studies showed that despite the vast flow of information, these platforms didn’t drastically change political judgment or voting behavior. People felt more involved but not necessarily more knowledgeable.
Fast-forward to the present election. Social media’s role has become more complicated—and controversial. Misinformation and unconfirmed rumors flood the platforms, amplified by algorithms that thrive on engagement over truth. Political news on social media has become a minefield of fake narratives and half-truths, leaving citizens skeptical. Instead of building confidence, the constant barrage of unreliable news has made many people wary of forming concrete opinions.
This skepticism has led to an unprecedented number of floating voters—people who don’t align with any candidate or party and aren’t sure how to vote. This is no longer just indecision; it’s a defensive stance. Many voters feel that by withholding judgment, they’re protecting themselves from being swayed by questionable information.
Trump, who had relied heavily on his online presence and social media connections in past campaigns, is finding that his old tactics have lost their edge. He can’t seem to mobilize voters the same way he once did. On the other side, Harris is also struggling. Her team has tried everything from policy breakdowns to digital outreach, but it’s hard to cut through the noise when voters are wary of everything they see online.
As election day draws closer, both candidates find themselves trapped in a loop of smear tactics. With genuine persuasion no longer effective, they’re left with sensational accusations and personal attacks in an attempt to discredit each other. The debates become less about policies and more about who can throw the bigger insult. But the audience is not impressed; floating voters watch from a distance, feeling disconnected from the spectacle and increasingly unwilling to make a choice based on such antics.
The 2024 election stands at a unique crossroad: social media, once a powerful political tool, now feels like a chaotic echo chamber, leaving voters disillusioned and candidates scrambling for a new way forward. In the end, the real question isn’t just who will win the presidency, but whether social media’s role in politics can ever regain the trust of the people.
The effects of Facebook and Instagram on the 2020 election: A deactivation experiment
Comments