My Vote Isn't Influenced by Social Media Stars

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the influence of Gen Z, a generation shaped by social media platforms like TikTok, is becoming increasingly significant. Vice President Kamala Harris is actively courting this demographic, leveraging pop culture to enhance her appeal. Notably, at a recent rally, rapper Megan Thee Stallion performed, coining the phrase “Hotties for Harris,” which encapsulates a new identity trend among young voters. This strategy highlights the intersection of politics and social media, where meme culture plays a pivotal role. Harris's campaign has adopted a novel approach, utilizing social media to engage with younger voters. The campaign's X account, KamalaHQ, even mirrored the aesthetic of Charli XCX's album, signaling a shift towards a more meme-centric political strategy. However, this trend raises concerns about the depth of political engagement among Gen Z, with critics arguing that it reflects a troubling identity crisis characterized by superficiality in political discourse. Critics express dismay at the reliance on pop culture figures like Stallion, whose provocative lyrics may not align with traditional political values. The involvement of non-citizens like Charli XCX in shaping political trends further complicates the narrative, suggesting that celebrity influence may overshadow substantive policy discussions. Ultimately, while Harris may temporarily capture the attention of young voters through memes and pop culture, the sustainability of this approach remains questionable. As the election nears, the challenge will be to transform this fleeting engagement into meaningful political participation.