Young voters turn to social media for political education (includes video story)

As the 2020 presidential election comes to an end, we look at the important role social media has played. Platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have become an outlet for eligible and even ineligible voters to express their thoughts. 

First-time voter Rachel Rodrigues shared how seeing celebrities and influencers voice their opinions online made her more comfortable in sharing her own, educating herself and being ready to vote. 

These social media platforms provided voters with valuable resources, such as links and information on mail-in ballots and voting sites. 

Social media has also provided an outlet for viewpoints on candidates. Gen-Zer Sabrina Kelling is ineligible to vote but has used social media to voice her thoughts and opinions. She uses her platforms to educate her followers on the issues.

When asked why millennials and Gen-Zers have taken to social media, FIU Marketing professor Raymond Rody said, “They’re the most influenced, maybe of all, because social media is part of their life. It’s where they get their news, information, their word-of-mouth, etc. They probably trust it more than the news media.” 

I’m a senior at Florida International University majoring in Broadcast Journalism. I enjoy sports and giving back to my community.

Zitlali Solache is a student in Florida International University, pursuing her Masters degree in Spanish-Language Broadcast Journalism. Zitlali Solache is Mexican American and has a passion for storytelling and news. She has interned for WPBT PBS, WSVN Channel 7 and STEP Univision. After graduation, Zitlali aspires to become a reporter/anchor in her hometown Miami, FL.

Vivian Desme is a Florida International University student majoring in Broadcast Journalism and minoring in E-Marketing Analytics. She enjoys exploring new places in order to gain knowledge from the world’s different cultures, history, and stories.