When Performance Meets Propaganda: The Distortion of Youth Political Dialogue Online

Saanvi Chitneni

“I saw it on the Internet, so it must be true.” What was once a light-hearted joke now eerily represents the modern state of political misinformation online. Today, misinformation doesn’t need to be convincing to work — it just has to be seen. For many users, social media has replaced traditional, trusted news outlets.

In response to this issue, political consultant Mike Murphy urged: “Don’t rely on Tiktok and the Red Chinese to inform you about things. Do a little work. You know, there are some trusted sites on Google. Know what they are, rather than let the algorithm tell you what you think.”

Many young people today fall victim to algorithmically-boosted information on social media platforms such as Tiktok and Instagram. Subconsciously, our brains absorb information and ideas from the Internet, whether we agree with it or not, before we notice. Beyond just  events or statistics, we absorb  political opinions and values as well. As Murphy said, when youth allow the algorithm to shape their opinions on highly complex issues concerning politics and human rights, which  can obscure the truth about certain events and people. Social media acts as a force towards spreading all kinds of propaganda to young users.

When young people are influenced by political propaganda on the Internet, it prevents them from actively participating in research, civic discourse, elections, and more. Murphy highlighted the importance in getting involved in voting specifically, saying: “This whole idea that all of it won’t matter because we’re not billionaires? Screw that. Billionaires spend all their time trying to figure out how to beg people to vote. You already have a vote. You’re billionaire-proof if you use your brain.” Essentially, he’s saying that by not participating in elections, billionaires gain power. We, as young voters especially, have the power to decide the reach that these billionaires have, and who we want as a leader, instead of scrolling past an article with the latest political updates and reassuring ourselves that it isn’t our fault.

If you are too young to  vote, educate yourself using trusted sources, debate complexities and ethics, and participate in local community service and activism. These acts of involvement are accessible to all — so put down the phone and get to it.