Scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, it's hard to avoid the wave of strong opinions on politics. Social media influencers who once shared makeup tips or dance challenges are now discussing political endorsements, reminding others to register to vote and explaining policies in short videos. For many students voting for the first time, these creators are often the most prominent and influential voices they encounter. Whether this shift is positive or negative for honest civic engagement remains to be seen.
The growing presence of influencers in politics is no accident. Campaigns and advocacy organizations understand that traditional advertisements and yard signs no longer reach 18-to-24-year-olds. So instead, they collaborate with influencers who already command large, trusted audiences in an attempt to tap into genuine youth civic participation. A 2024 Pew Research Center survey indicated that almost half of adults under 30 years old receive at least some news from TikTok and many trust influencers more than established political figures. With most Cornell students being between 18 and 28, this trend has a direct impact on our campus.
Influencers help lower the barriers that typically discourage young voters. Traditional news outlets tend to be dense, technical or out of touch. Influencers translate policies into relatable, everyday experiences — connecting climate policy to the weather in your city or tuition reform to student loans or reproductive rights to college culture. When an influencer says, “This policy could raise your tuition bill,” it lands more effectively than a full-length political news article. And with the lack of standardized civics classes in the U.S., influencers take on the role of the informal teacher in the classroom of American politics, one that is always connected to its pupils.
Still, relying on influencers for civic education and political facts comes with its own set of risks. Algorithms reward engagement not accuracy, independent of whether that engagement comes from controversy or collaboration is irrelevant. This gives space for influencers who push sensational or polarizing content to the top of feeds. As a result, misinformation can spread as fast as genuine political insight as more and more creators prioritize clicks over clarity. A viral post containing false or misleading claims can sway thousands before fact-checkers can step in. For students who are already juggling their coursework, jobs and extracurricular activities, verifying everything they encounter online is often an unrealistic task.
At Cornell, these dynamics are evident. Student organizations often utilize Instagram to promote voter registration and campaign initiatives. During election seasons, it’s common for students to share influencers’ videos discussing candidates or ballot measures. Unfortunately, many of these shared posts lack proper sourcing or nuance, creating a blur of motivating calls to “go vote” alongside oversimplified viewpoints that misrepresent significant issues. The real challenge for students is differentiating between genuine political education from the overwhelming digital noise.
The University can help. Departments like Government and Communications — alongside student-led groups — can expand media literacy initiatives to help students critically evaluate online content. For undergraduate students, Cornell should require a civil literacy course to teach students how to register to vote in the State of New York — which all Cornell students have the right to do — and how to evaluate the information influencing their ballots. Workshops that focus on identifying misinformation or events that connect influencers with academic experts could effectively bridge the divide between digital trends and scholarly understanding.
It’s critical that we don’t overlook the value of influencers altogether. Their capability to engage and mobilize young audiences is undeniable. In both 2020 and 2022, campaigns led by influencers played a crucial role in achieving record turnout among youth voters nationwide. Cornell students are no exception: many first-time voters will turn to the platforms they know best. While social media can mislead, it can also empower and amplify underrepresented voices. When used thoughtfully, social media becomes a tool that can educate the upcoming generation rather than manipulate.
So the next time you find yourself scrolling through TikTok and come across your favorite influencer encouraging you to “go vote,” take their advice — and then go a step further. Learn what’s on the ballot, verify the information you see and decide your stance beyond the hashtags. Democracy deserves more than just a fleeting moment of your attention with a double tap.
Lali Tobin MPA '27 is an Opinion Columnist and a master's student at the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy. Her monthly column, The Lali Times, explores public policy and politics through different lenses. She hopes to engage readers in hearing how politics is the most discussed topic in the media and why it is important to stay on top of current issues. She also hopes to tackle current social trends that can be connected through public policy. She can be reached at ltobin@cornellsun.com.
