Social media's growing influence on political opinion and campaigning

Social media is increasingly shaping political opinion and communication strategies. In Belgium, an analysis by the Ligue des Droits de l'Enfant reveals that 85% of young people follow at least one influencer. This shift has turned social platforms into political environments where influencers act as opinion leaders, potentially amplifying polarizing discourse and simplifying complex issues for youth. To mitigate risks such as disinformation and cyberbullying, the Digital Services Act has introduced new obligations for major platforms to protect minors.

In the realm of electoral politics, digital visibility has become a central component of campaigning. In Bordeaux, France, recent municipal election data highlights the intensity of digital presence; for instance, candidate Thomas Cazenave maintained a significantly higher frequency of Instagram posts compared to Pierre Hurmic. Experts note that while digital strategies aim to foster proximity and reach new voters, social media visibility cannot replace traditional political programs and substantive work.