Social Media and Democracy in Two Thousand Twenty-Four: Do Your Likes and Shares Really Matter?

It’s an election year, and you know what that means: the never-ending scroll of political takes on your favorite social media platforms. From fiery debates on X (you know, the one formerly known as Twitter) to surprisingly insightful TikToks about the electoral college, it’s clear that social media has become an inescapable part of the political landscape. But how do everyday Americans really experience politics on these platforms, and what does it mean for the future of democracy? Buckle up, because we’re diving headfirst into the fascinating world of social media and politics in two thousand twenty-four.

Social Media: Friend or Foe to Democracy?

Let’s be real, social media has a bit of a reputation. Some days, it feels like the Wild West of the internet, with heated arguments about everything from healthcare to, well, the very definition of democracy itself. The big players like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and the ever-evolving X are constantly in the headlines, grappling with issues like free speech, online harassment, and their potential impact on elections. Remember the whole kerfuffle about misinformation during the two-thousand-sixteen election? Or the even bigger drama about platform bans in two-thousand-twenty? Yeah, social media doesn’t always have the best track record when it comes to politics. The big question is: Are these platforms ultimately helping or hurting our democracy? It’s a complex issue with no easy answers, but one thing’s for sure—social media’s influence on politics is only growing stronger.

Your Feed, Your Politics: How We Engage (or Don’t)

Here’s the thing: not all social media platforms are created equal, especially when it comes to politics. Take X, for example. This platform, known for its bite-sized commentary and, let’s be honest, occasional dumpster fire of a comment section, is a hotbed for political engagement. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that a whopping fifty-nine percent of X users say keeping up with politics is a major reason they use the platform. Interestingly, there’s a pretty clear partisan divide here, with Republicans generally viewing X more favorably than their Democrat counterparts.

On the flip side, platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram seem to take a more laid-back approach to politics. For most users, entertainment and connecting with friends and family reign supreme, with political engagement taking a backseat. In fact, a majority of users on these platforms don’t believe their online activity has a significant impact on democracy. So, while you might encounter the occasional political rant from your aunt on Facebook or a surprisingly informative TikTok about voter registration, chances are your feed is more about funny cat videos and less about political punditry.

Scrolling Through the Political Spin Cycle: Exposure to Political Content

Okay, let’s talk about how much political content we’re actually seeing on these platforms. Unsurprisingly, X takes the cake, with a whopping seventy-four percent of users reporting that they see at least some political content on the platform. And let’s be real, “some” might be an understatement for anyone who’s ever dared to glance at the trending topics during election season.

Facebook clocks in at a respectable second place, with fifty-two percent of users reporting exposure to political content. This makes sense, given that Facebook has become a go-to spot for sharing news articles, op-eds, and, of course, those impassioned status updates from your politically-charged relatives.

Meanwhile, TikTok and Instagram seem to be the places where politics go to take a chill pill. Only forty-five percent of TikTok users and a mere thirty-six percent of Instagram users report seeing political content on these platforms. This suggests that while political discussions certainly exist on these platforms, they’re more likely to be found in niche communities or through targeted hashtags, rather than dominating everyone’s feeds.

But here’s the kicker: while a lot of us see political content on social media, we’re much less likely to actually share it ourselves. Across all platforms, the percentage of users who post, share, or comment on political content is significantly lower than the percentage who simply see it. So, maybe we’re all just lurkers at heart, silently absorbing the political landscape without wanting to jump into the fray ourselves.

Whose Bias Is It Anyway? Perceptions of Political Leanings

Now, for the million-dollar question: Are social media platforms biased? Well, it depends on who you ask. When it comes to Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, users are more likely to perceive a liberal lean in the content they see. This perception isn’t entirely unfounded, as these platforms often highlight social justice issues and promote diverse voices, which can be perceived as leaning left by some.

X, on the other hand, is a whole different ballgame. Users are pretty evenly split on whether they perceive a liberal or conservative bias on the platform. This could be because X’s short-form format and emphasis on real-time commentary lends itself to a wider range of viewpoints, making it harder to pin down a single political leaning.

As you might expect, there are some interesting partisan differences in how users perceive bias. Republicans, for example, are more likely to perceive a liberal bias on Facebook, perhaps because of the platform’s efforts to combat misinformation and promote fact-checking, which some conservatives view as censorship. Democrats, on the other hand, are more likely to see a liberal bias on X, possibly due to the platform’s amplification of progressive voices and its crackdown on hate speech, which some liberals argue doesn’t go far enough.

To Post or Not to Post: The Great Political Social Media Debate

Let’s get real for a second: posting about politics on social media can feel like walking a tightrope. On one hand, you might feel passionate about making your voice heard, engaging in important discussions, and maybe even swaying a few hearts and minds. On the other hand, you might worry about facing backlash from friends, family, or that one random acquaintance from high school who always seems to disagree with you. So, what motivates people to post (or avoid posting) about politics online?

For those who do take the plunge, a few common motivations emerge. Some people genuinely believe that politics belong on social media, seeing it as a vital space for civic engagement and holding leaders accountable. This sentiment is particularly strong among TikTok and X users, who often use these platforms to discuss current events, share political commentary, and even organize protests or rallies.

Others are driven by a desire to make a difference, believing that even a single post or share can contribute to a larger movement for change. This motivation is especially prevalent among TikTok users, who often use the platform’s creative tools to raise awareness about social and political issues, spark conversations, and encourage others to take action.

Of course, some people simply feel obligated to share their political views, seeing it as their civic duty to speak out on issues they care about. And then there are those who relish the opportunity for political debate, welcoming the chance to engage in thoughtful (or not-so-thoughtful) discussions with people from all walks of life.

But let’s not forget about those who shy away from political posts altogether. For many, the fear of criticism or harassment is a major deterrent. Social media can be a breeding ground for negativity, and the thought of receiving hateful comments, losing followers, or even damaging relationships is enough to make some people think twice before hitting that “post” button.

Others simply believe that politics don’t belong on social media, preferring to keep their online spaces lighthearted and drama-free. This sentiment is particularly common among Facebook and Instagram users, who often use these platforms primarily to connect with friends and family, share personal updates, and escape from the stresses of everyday life.