In today’s world, social media has become central to how politics is consumed. Millions of users pay close attention to what political parties post on platforms such as TikTok and X, using these posts to inform their opinions and determine how they vote. This is the first time in American history that the White House has consistently used social media as a direct tool to push its agenda and shape public perception. They have fundamentally transformed the landscape of political communication and enabled immediate engagement with millions, thereby altering the relationship between the government and public.
In a recent post, concerns have been raised by captions that include phrases like “illegal aliens crossing the border under Biden,” as well as videos set to popular songs depicting ICE agents deporting migrants. Using humor and trends to portray real-life human suffering not only trivializes the experiences of vulnerable people but also normalizes and glorifies violence and illegality. Although these posts on social media may seem harmless, the use of language like “illegal aliens” and even the post itself causes harm to the American perception. The President of the United States should serve as an example of the American people, and this behavior reflects poorly on our nation. Trump’s posts harm predominantly Hispanic communities, and the consistent use of this language sparks more negative action from both citizens and government officials. It is devastating to see the violence and bigotry the President of the United States puts into the world.
As the digital generation navigates political engagement online, it is critical to recognize the power these platforms have to shape values, perspectives and empathy. The line between entertainment and real-world harm should never be crossed, especially by those in the highest offices of power.