October 31, 2024 - Annelise Russell & Maggie Macdonald (Social Media in Politics)

Behind the Blue

LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 31, 2024) – In today’s political landscape, the power of a single post, tweet or video can shift public opinion, drive movements and even shape policies.

From trending hashtags to viral tweets, social media isn’t just an accessory in politics anymore — it’s a microphone, a platform and, at times, a battleground.

In the social media arena, candidates and voters engage in real-time debates, raise awareness for causes and rally support. But as its role in politics continues to grow, so do questions about its influence.

How did we get here? And where is this headed?

On this edition of “Behind the Blue,” Annelise Russell, an associate professor in the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, and Maggie Macdonald, an assistant professor of political science in the UK College of Arts and Sciences, explore the impact of the stories lighting up our feeds — and what they mean for the future of democracy.

Their research focuses on the complex relationship between social media and politics — unpacking its benefits, pitfalls and what it truly means to be “political” in the digital age.

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For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [e-mail] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show’s blog page.

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