Social media is a powerful tool, used by businesses, celebrities, and individuals as a way to quickly communicate their thoughts and feelings. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, what do OU students think about celebrities endorsing political figures on social media?
The 2024 presidential election was the most closely watched election in history. More than half of Americans say they followed the elections “very closely or fairly closely,” according to Pew Research Center. Social networks come in second place common way American adults obtain political information, by following news websites or apps.
As Election Day approaches, celebrities are flocking to social media to support their choice for president. Finley McNamee, a freshman environmental biology major, reflected on the potential impact of celebrity support for presidential candidates.
“I think (celebrity endorsements) are pretty powerful,” McNamee said. “I think it’s part of a celebrity’s job to support the people they want to see in power, especially because they have such influence over public opinion and their fans are loyal to them and often to their beliefs.”
Taylor Swift, a singer with a generally young fan base, supported Kamala Harris on Instagram job last month. “I did my research and made my choice,” the super star wrote. Swift signed her post “Childless Cat Lady,” a sarcastic comment in response to previous Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance. comments.
While it’s difficult to predict what impact celebrity endorsement will have on polls, experts suggest it raises awareness among new demographics, particularly younger ones. generations.
“With younger kids not being able to vote, growing up with these celebrities who express certain beliefs, it really impacts how they vote, based on who they’re around and what kind of information they’re given ” McNamee said.
Many celebrities have refused to post their support, despite fans’ appeal. Rachel Staheli, a sophomore studying hearing, speech and language sciences, praised singer Chappell Roan’s approach.
“I agree with Chappell Roan’s approach of saying, ‘sure, I’m voting for Kamala, but that doesn’t mean I support everything she does,'” Staheli said. “Whereas there are other people who are very active, one way or another, without any sort of nuance in how they approach it.”
Roan recently faced backlash for a statement she made during an interview with The guardian.
“I have so many problems with our government in every way,” Roan said. “There are so many things I would like to change. So I don’t feel obligated to support anyone. There are problems on both sides. I encourage people to use your critical thinking, to use your vote – vote small, vote for what’s happening in your city.
Following this interview, fans rushed to support and criticize Roan’s statement. Roan has since said she would vote for Harris, but won’t. approve the countryside. However, students question whether endorsements actually have an impact on voters at the polls.
“I highly doubt it,” Staheli said. “I feel like it would influence people’s opinions of celebrities more than candidates.”
Connor Arnold, a sophomore psychology major, discussed the recent Jack Black controversy. Black announced the end of the Tenacious D World Tour on Instagramfollowing teammate Kyle Gass’ comment about an assassination attempt against Donald Trump.
“I promote certain political figures, but I think a backlash like that is too strong, because it only reflects back on you as a celebrity,” Arnold said. “People (who support Tenacious D) aren’t going to say… ‘I support the band, let’s vote for Trump.’ This won’t happen.
Although Black said the comedy duo would return, the Spicy Meatball Tour remains canceled with no future plans.
Anna McCabe, a freshman majoring in biological sciences, said the endorsements can raise awareness about issues that everyday people aren’t aware of.
“I hope most people base their opinions on their own morals,” McCabe said. “That’s not what social media influencers or famous people who have a big platform say, because they base it on their own morals and judgments.”
Many celebrities took to social media to show their support for their candidate of choice, including Jennifer Lawrence, Olivia Rodrigo, Mark Hamill and Elon Musk.
With November 5 just days away, it’s clear that the intersection of pop culture and politics can no longer be ignored.
