Brazil's political debate moves from Parliament to social‑media screens

Academic analysis and commentary highlight a growing dominance of digital platforms in Brazil's political arena. Influencers and online personalities are using social media to amplify personal agendas, often prioritising spectacle over substantive policy discussion, which critics say erodes public trust in democratic institutions.

Professor Graziella Testa of the Federal University of Paraná notes that algorithm‑driven feeds reinforce voter identities, reducing openness to new political leadership. The shift intensified during the COVID‑19 pandemic, as legislative activities moved online and voters now engage with politicians primarily through their smartphones, marginalising traditional parliamentary debate.