Presidential Candidates have taken over TikTok

“This just in, presidential candidates have taken over TikTok!” Presidential candidates have been collaborating with online influencers to promote their campaigns and to be perceived as relatable by potential voters.

Whether it be a video of a new dance trend that is circulating on TikTok or simply two people poking fun of the other party on YouTube shorts, people will utilize these creative platforms to express themselves politically. Yes, they legally have the right to freedom of speech and expression, but with that comes the creation of a divided country – one that is politically polarized. Election season is on the horizon and the U.S. people along with its two presidential candidates are making headway on social media platforms in new and shocking ways. This past summer, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump both activated their own TikTok accounts, even though Trump tried to ban the app back in 2020 when he was in office. Donald Trump has made videos on TikTok with the two Paul brothers – Logan and Jake Paul—who are notorious on YouTube for being amateur wrestlers and are highly controversial and problematic public figures. They definitely align with Donald Trump’s brand and his audience, though, so it is not a surprise that Trump teamed up with the Paul brothers. I feel as though Trump is using them as a way to reach the younger generation of voters (Gen Z) by aligning with influencers of their era. And whether you love or hate the Paul brothers, you undoubtedly know them. The same thing is true about Trump.

Twitter/X has become a popular platform for politicians to post updates, opinions, and attacks on their competitors. By utilizing social media platforms and political accounts, whether run by the politician themselves or various political groups, it is inevitable that America has become so politically divided. Allowing people to post the first thing that pops into their head is concerning. It goes without saying that we cannot get rid of free speech, nor should we, but social media platforms can regulate it as they are private entities. [Side note, private entities have the power to make their own rules on what can and cannot be said on their platforms.]

Hearing famous influencers take sides and speak out publicly about their political views could persuade their followers to shift their beliefs and could impact their vote when it comes time to cast their ballot. However, many people already have solidified political beliefs, so completely changing their stance on issues such as abortion or gun control is extremely difficult and next to impossible. For those stragglers in the middle, though, it would probably be easier to influence them one way or another.

So, how can we potentially lessen the negative impact that social media has created regarding the political sphere? First off, social media platforms should create and enforce more rules that users have to follow or else they get banned from using that app. For instance, Facebook has a rule that protects its users from receiving hate speech, justifiable threats, degrading, shameful, or harassing messages, blackmail, and reoccurring unwanted messages. In a similar vein, social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter should remove content that is threatening or that includes hate speech against politicians so as not to sway people either which way.

Additionally, these social media platforms should change up their algorithms so that users get somewhat of an unbiased feed. That way, they are exposed to both political parties’ views. That may seem like an annoyance to some, but it does not have to be done in an obvious way. A user’s Instagram feed can still primarily show their aligned party’s campaign ads, but there should still be a few ads for the other party sprinkled in there.