July 9, 2024
As we reflect on the recent general election results, it's important to examine the role social media platforms played in shaping public opinion and political discourse in the UK and the challenges they present to our democratic process.
Platforms like Facebook, Twitter/X, and TikTok have become primary sources of news and political information for many, especially younger demographics. The UK 2024 General Election saw a significant portion of voters, relying on social media election-related content with 72% of those aged 18-24 consuming their political related media through social media platforms (1).
Misinformation poses significant threats to the democratic process in the UK and globally. Social media platforms have created fertile ground for the rapid spread of false or misleading information, often amplified by both domestic and foreign actors seeking to influence public opinion and electoral outcomes.
Despite social media companies' efforts to protect users from online manipulation, many of the tactics are successful in spreading misinformation. For example, a fabricated audio clip of Labour politician Wes Streeting went viral, garnering over a million views before being debunked. This incident underscores the challenge of disinformation (2).
Recent investigations have revealed sophisticated disinformation campaigns, including the use of bot networks and coordinated inauthentic behaviour, aimed at swaying voter sentiment and undermining trust in democratic institutions (3). For instance, a Global Witness investigation found that content posted by bot accounts on X has been seen 150 million times ahead of UK elections (4).
Politicians and parties are increasingly leveraging social media to reach voters directly. For instance, Nigel Farage's and Reform UK's use of platforms like Twitter and Facebook has been noted as a key factor in Reform UK's growing popularity among younger voters, with high levels of engagement across X, Facebook, and Instagram. (5).
Despite these challenges, social media and digital technology do not inherently undermine the democratic process. Taiwan's innovative use of technology to enhance civic engagement and governance provides a compelling example of how digital tools can foster transparency, inclusivity, and accountability. Platforms like vTaiwan and Join facilitate consensus-building and deliberation on policy issues by leveraging tools such as Pol.is for mass deliberation. These platforms enable citizens, civil society organisations, and government representatives to collaboratively discuss and shape policy, demonstrating how digital tools can foster transparency, inclusivity, and accountability. Taiwan's success in using digital technologies to combat COVID-19 and address electoral disinformation highlights the potential of digital democracy to create more responsive and participatory governance. However, the experience also underscores the challenges, such as the need for digital literacy and the risk of online polarization. As we embrace digital democracy, it is crucial to implement comprehensive legislation, enhance platform accountability, and invest in public education to ensure that technology strengthens rather than undermines democratic values and processes (6).
Given the significant influence of social media on public discourse and the democratic process, there is a pressing need for more robust regulation.
Implement Comprehensive Legislation: Rather than relying on platform guidelines, we need comprehensive laws that address the unique challenges posed by social media in the political sphere. This legislation should focus on transparency, accountability, and the protection of democratic processes.
Enhance Content Moderation and Fact-Checking: Platforms must be required to implement more stringent content moderation practices and collaborate with independent fact-checkers to combat the spread of misinformation. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of public discourse.
Promote Digital Literacy and Critical Thinking: Alongside regulation, there must be a concerted effort to educate the public about digital literacy and critical thinking skills. This will empower citizens to navigate the complex information landscape of social media more effectively and make informed decisions in the democratic process.