In the weeks coming up to the 2020 presidential election, social media has played a crucial role in both candidates’ campaigns. Something I have noticed more than ever during this election has been the use of instagram stories as a way of displaying one’s personal political views. An instagram story is a quick and easy way to share information to your followers and educate them on any topic- not just political. Personally, I have constantly been using my instagram story to share information about the election and doing my part. Instagram stories are very influential even though they disappear after 24 hours. You are able to click the post and can read more about the election, and be educated on other topics. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to vote in the election since I turn 18 two weeks after the election. However, I educate my friends and family that don’t know politics on why they should vote out Trump and vote for Biden. The hashtag #SettleForBiden has circulated throughout all social media platforms, especially twitter, has had a major impact on the people who are indecisive about who to vote for. All those things are extremely influential in the 2020 presidential election. Another example of social media impacting the election is celebrities posting their political views and posting to their supporters/followers about voting in the election. When people see their idols and role models posting about how they should vote out Trump and vote for Biden, it can have a huge impact on people. Taylor Swift is just one example of a celebrity who has an extremely large following and posted about endorsing Biden and how much she dislikes trump. Many celebrities have followed in Taylor Swift’s footsteps and posted about voting for Biden. This also can change many people’s political views. When people see their idol voting for Biden, and they don’t, they try to see a different point of view and understand more about it. When they do this, it can change their political views heavily. Memes also can get attention from the younger people who are eligible to vote but don’t know much about politics.

Here is an example of an instagram story that I took a screenshot of off of someone’s highlights on instagram. This quick story post quickly could educate your followers and change their views on who they should vote for.

Not being able to vote in the election has been hard, but I’ve been making the best of a horrible situation. My parents never were ones to vote, but they are voting in the 2020 election after I talked to them. I’ve been doing this with a bunch of my friends who didn’t understand politics/ didn’t care to vote.

Social media has a very important role in the election and impacting people who use social media. Something as simple as an instagram story or a simple meme could change someone’s political views and educate them for the better. It’s extremely important in the upcoming presidential election.