The Ambivalent Role of Social Media in Shaping Global Politics
- Ioanna Christodoulatou
- Sep 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 1
In today’s world, we find ourselves within a society which has deified social media, transforming it into tailored reality, making it more than just a platform for users to share snippets documenting their daily lives or of them participating in fleeting trends and ‘challenges’; but a revolutionary weapon which has been harnessed in pursuit of influence and control.
As billions of people engage daily on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, political ideas and movements are debated, shaping viewers’ attitudes towards global politics in ways that are impossible to ignore. The law plays a significant role in this as it determines how these platforms operate, what content circulates and where the line between free speech and deception lies.
Amplifying Voices
A significant positive effect of social media is the pivotal role it plays in enabling individuals to project their voices and become members of one body with the same objective. By influencing the establishment of movements and organisations, broadcasting on social media now comes from both groups and individuals, reaching mass audiences around the world with the aim of fostering collective action.
The ‘#MeToo’ movement, empowers survivors of sexual harassment to speak out and demand action, “creating pathways for healing, justice… and leadership”. Today, ordinary people around the world have become frontline reporters documenting live action and publicising injustices as they happen, all from the push of a button on their mobile phones.
As Tarana Burke, founder of the ‘Me Too’ movement, stated:
“Social media has allowed us to build a chorus of voices that cannot be ignored.”
As a result of such activity, today even young people and marginalised communities have the opportunity to engage not only socially but also politically, pressuring institutions to respond and bring systematic solutions. Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights ensures people hold freedom of expression and the right to individual ideas whilst Article 14 reinforces ‘prohibition of Discrimination’ and Article 17 ‘Prohibition of Abuse of Rights’. Together, these Articles aim to create balance and ensure that boundaries are set to prevent free speech from developing into hate or harassment -portraying the law’s dual role in both regulating and enabling online activism.
Misinformation
Oftentimes, these platforms promoting and enabling connection and collaboration can also contribute to widespread misinformation and a politically polarised society. Due to lack of regulation, false narratives, conspiracy theories and disinformation circulate freely, fostering mistrust in institutions and creating political division not only between different countries but even within the countries and communities themselves. Many are misinformed or unaware of the truth as their opinions are more often shaped on the content they encounter on social media rather than based on verified information, often without confirming the credibility and accuracy of the information received. These changing perceptions have had a significant influence on people’s beliefs and behaviour and in some cases even on voting and election results. Specifically, the European Union’s ‘Digital Services Act’ steps in as a remedy ensuring ‘more transparency over content moderation decisions’ for citizens and ‘greater democratic control’ and ‘mitigation of systematic risks such as manipulation or disinformation’ for society at large.
Electoral Influence in the age of Likes and Shares
Digital campaigning has heavily influenced elections globally as it is not only individuals but even politicians and parties who are using social media. Parties have decided to embrace this developed ‘media culture’ in order to become more widely acknowledged and accepted in society as equals to the average citizen, in hope of being able to address the widening gap between themselves and the public. In doing so, they are increasingly perceived as more authentic and empathetic characters, thus making it easier for them to earn the trust of voters and ultimately aiding them in gaining greater support at the polls and success in the elections.
According to a survey conducted by a consultancy company ‘Milton’ -focusing on strategy and communications: “ TikTok significantly influenced Finland’s [2023] April elections… [with] around 62% [of those who voted for the populist party] said TikTok messaging influenced their decision.”
From a legal viewpoint, it is imperative that jurisdictions today require transparency in digital political advertising after various scandals in recent years -such as Cambridge Analytica- which highlight the significant effects of a lack of regulation regarding data protection and privacy laws on political accountability. It is inevitable that in today’s society social media plays a pivotal role in people’s political engagement which is why legal institutions should ensure that guidelines are enforced to at least provide some form of regulation.
Rewriting the rules of engagement
Social media has proven to be a powerful catalyst for the rise of movements and political participation, driving unity and change worldwide. Nonetheless, it is also a platform enabling disinformation and manipulation, fueling distrust among societies and creating uncertainty.
It is imperative that regulation is enforced, ensuring accountability from the people but also transparency from the institutions in order for us to live in unity. Technological capabilities are more pressing than ever, as, equipping individuals with the skills to navigate social media wisely, responsibly and with awareness, ensures that they are not mislead by false or biased information. Laws shape this digital world in which people interact, promoting transparency, addressing online interference and increasing digital privacy protections and acting as a safeguard limiting the destructive potential of false or misleading information on digital platforms -in regards to electoral influence.
Future political engagement in our world relies on our ability to comprehend both the empowering nature of social media but also recognise its potential risks and thus use it resourcefully -in accordance with the laws enforced. Today, we find ourselves “actively participating in political processes rather than merely being passive recipients of political information”; it is therefore critical that we engage wisely, acting in accordance with the laws which aim to embrace and foster democratic values.
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