• by Steven Rosenbaum , Featured Contributor, August 12, 2024

When you ask questions about the state of media and politics, there is a powerful set of concerns that cross generational lines.  That’s what happened last week when Kurt Anderson and Kanika Mehra took the stage at "Gen-Z, Politics, and Social Media in America,"  a Sustainable Media Center forum in New York City.

Kurt Andersen, 69, is a bestselling author and cultural critic, known for co-founding Spy magazine and hosting the radio show “Studio 360.” His books -- including “Fantasyland” and “Evil Geniuse,” -- dissect the forces shaping modern America, making him a leading voice on politics, culture, and media.

Kanika Mehra, 23, is an outspoken summa cum laude graduate in political science from the University of Maryland. With internships at “The Rachel Maddow Show,” “Meet the Press,” and “The Tonight Show,” she's fiercely committed to flip the media script.

Their discussion explored how platforms like TikTok have become instrumental in shaping political discourse, especially among younger generations.

They emphasized TikTok’s significant role in political engagement and activism today, and how Harris is very different than Biden in that regard.

“I think there was this sense that we weren't really heard in the conversation,” said Mehra, “because Joe Biden really had no means of communicating with the younger generation through social media.”

TikTok: Beyond the Dancing App

Not long ago, older generations often dismissed TikTok as a platform filled with dancing videos and lighthearted content. However, Andersen and Mehra made it clear that this perception is quickly evolving. TikTok has transformed into a powerful tool for political communication, particularly for Gen Z, who increasingly use the platform not just for entertainment but also to stay informed and express their opinions.

Mehra highlighted that TikTok's influence on political sentiment should not be underestimated, noting that future analyses of the 2024 election will likely focus heavily on how TikTok shaped voter behavior and public opinion.

“This is something that I kind of noticed working for places like NBC and MSNBC -- and you know these sort of old-guard media institutions -- and seeing the gulf there was between the media appetite of cable audiences and the appetite of young, GenZ Tik Tok audiences,” said Mehra.

Andersen discussed how TikTok’s algorithm, which curates content based on user interactions, creates echo chambers but also facilitates the rapid spread of information, making it both powerful and potentially problematic in the political arena.

Gen Z’s Political Disillusionment

A recurring theme in the discussion was the widespread disillusionment Gen Z feels towards the current political landscape. Mehra observed that this generation is notably less forgiving of political missteps and less tolerant of empty rhetoric, arguing that Gen Z’s skepticism toward politicians stems from a deep-seated frustration with a system they feel does not represent their interests or address their concerns.

But Andersen cautioned that social media comes with its own dangers.

“If you're an advertising-dominated medium, and all you want is people to watch for as many hours as possible, it's going to be inciting rage, or hatred, or powerful emotions that will make them keep watching that makes your money,” said Andersen.

The Disconnect with Traditional Media

Andersen and Mehra discussed how mainstream media, particularly cable news, continues to focus heavily on electoral politics and the "horse race" of elections. This approach, they argued, is increasingly out of step with the interests of Gen Z, who are more concerned with systemic issues like climate change, social justice, and economic inequality.

Mehra added that this disconnect is not just a missed opportunity for traditional media to engage with younger audiences; it also highlights a significant shift in where and how people, especially the youth, are consuming news and forming their political views.

The Importance of Intergenerational Dialogue

One of the key takeaways from the event was the critical need for intergenerational dialogue in addressing the challenges posed by social media and political engagement. Andersen and Mehra agreed that building these bridges is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and responsive political environment.

Conclusion: A Call for Authentic Engagement

The conversation highlighted the evolving role of social media in American politics and the unique challenges faced by Gen Z. As this generation continues to navigate a rapidly changing media landscape, platforms like TikTok will play an increasingly central role in shaping political discourse. However, for politicians to effectively engage with young voters, they must move beyond superficial tactics and address the deeper issues that matter most to this generation.

Andersen and Mehra concluded that the future of political engagement will depend on the ability to create spaces for genuine dialogue and understanding across generations. This requires not only acknowledging the power of platforms like TikTok but also ensuring that these conversations lead to real, substantive change. As the 2024 election approaches, the lessons from this discussion will be critical in understanding how to better connect with and mobilize the next generation of voters.

The event was held at law firm Mintz and sponsored by the Craig Newmark Philanthropies. You can view the entire conversation here.