Social media and democracy

Is democracy at a crossroads? New research reveals one in five Brits aged 18-45 would be open to unelected leaders, a finding that feels especially urgent as Elon Musk’s ongoing clash with the UK government highlights the growing tension between technology and traditional power structures. Social media platforms like X are no longer passive bystanders; they are shaping narratives, influencing public opinion, and challenging the authority of legacy institutions. Have we underestimated the ability of these platforms to rewrite the rules of governance? And if they’re leading us into a new era of politics, what does that mean for the future of Western democracies?

Most people in this country are sick of all politicians. Labour complain about Musk, but one of their biggest funders is a South African Billionnaire, Gary Lubner. Is it even possible to take the corruption, hypocracy and self-interest out of politics? Very few MPs truly have those most in need, the disabled, the sick and the poorest at the centre of their thoughts.

Elon Musk stated his desire to make Twitter into a ‘country without borders’ when he acquired the platform in 2022. His ideas and actions could be seen by some to be those of a Bond-style villain, and by others to be those of a visionary. Social media has created a nation of people with polar opposite views: people who only think in black or white, and for whom the grey area of debate in between is impossible. It is with dismay, but not a surprise, to learn 1 in 5 people aged 18-45 would be happy with unelected leaders. Anyone with strong views gets a following on social media, that can become tribal. Donald Trump is a case in point, where his fan base have not been dissuaded from electing him to presidential office, in spite of a long list of felonies. This may not seem just to those in politics, but the power of social media cannot be ignored. The games the game, and they need to learn the rules of play.

The idea that 1 in 5 Brits aged 18-45 would be OK with unelected leaders – I’m sorry, what?! That’s a hard no from me. Democracy might not be perfect, but the thought of ditching it for someone we didn’t even get to vote for is proper scary.

What’s wild is how much social media is fuelling this shift. Platforms like X aren’t just places for memes and holiday pics anymore – they’re powerhouses shaping narratives and challenging traditional structures. Take Elon Musk locking horns with the UK government. It’s a prime example of how one person, with enough reach, can throw the rulebook out the window.

And yet, a lot of politicians are still acting like it’s 1995, completely missing how social media thrives on emotion, virality, and drama – sometimes at the expense of facts. That’s dangerous territory when trust in democracy is already hanging by a thread.

The idea that 1 in 5 Brits aged 18-45 would be OK with unelected leaders – I’m sorry, what?! That’s a hard no from me. Democracy might not be perfect, but the thought of ditching it for someone we didn’t even get to vote for is proper scary.

What’s wild is how much social media is fuelling this shift. Platforms like X aren’t just places for memes and holiday pics anymore – they’re powerhouses shaping narratives and challenging traditional structures. Take Elon Musk locking horns with the UK government. It’s a prime example of how one person, with enough reach, can throw the rulebook out the window.

And yet, a lot of politicians are still acting like it’s 1995, completely missing how social media thrives on emotion, virality, and drama – sometimes at the expense of facts. That’s dangerous territory when trust in democracy is already hanging by a thread.

We need to stop worrying about the influence of social media and focus on what really matters: electing governments based on promises that have to be kept (and where there are meaningful consequences of not doing so) and where our elected representatives are truly accountable.

Until we fix the foundations, people will continue to feel let down, misled for their votes, and as though those in power do things 'to them' not 'for them'. Whilst that's the case, there will always be room for those with an agenda to exploit wedge issues on social media by tapping into and amplifying existing feelings of discontent.

Only by delivering on the priorities of ordinary voters, so they're not left feeling disaffected, will governments take the power away from bad actors who seek to divide us on social media. Until then, we can just expect more of the same.