Social media is a powerful tool, used by corporations, celebrities and everyday individuals as a way to quickly communicate thoughts and feelings. As the 2024 presidential election draws near, how do OU students feel about celebrities endorsing political figures on social media?
The 2024 presidential election has been the most followed election in history. Over half of Americans report following the election “very or fairly closely,” according to Pew Research Center. Social media is the second most common way American adults get political news, following news websites or apps.
As Election Day draws near, celebrities are flocking to social media to endorse their pick for president. Finley McNamee, a freshman studying environmental biology, reflected on the potential impact of celebrities endorsing presidential candidates.
“I think (celebrity endorsements) are pretty powerful,” McNamee said. “I think that it is part of a celebrity's job to endorse people they want to see in office, especially because they have such an influence on the public eye, and their fan bases are loyal to both them and often their beliefs.”
Taylor Swift, a singer with a generally young fanbase, endorsed Kamala Harris in an Instagram post last month. “I’ve done my research, and I’ve made my choice,” the super star wrote. Swift signed her message “Childless Cat Lady,” a sarcastic comment in response to Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance’s previous comments.
Though it is difficult to predict how celebrity endorsements will impact the polls, experts suggest it brings awareness to new demographics, especially in younger generations.
“With younger kids who can't vote, growing up with these celebrities who express certain beliefs, it really impacts how they vote, depending on who they're surrounded by and what kind of information they're being fed,” McNamee said.
Many celebrities have withheld posting any endorsement, despite the call of fans. Rachel Staheli, a sophomore studying hearing, speech and language sciences, commended singer Chappell Roan’s approach.
“I agree with Chappell Roan’s approach of saying, ‘of course I’m voting for Kamala, but that doesn't mean that I support everything she does,’” Staheli said. “Whereas there are other people that are very full force, one way or the other, without any sort of nuance within how they approach it.”
Roan recently faced backlash for a statement she made during an interview with The Guardian.
“I have so many issues with our government in every way,” Roan said. “There are so many things that I would want to change. So I don’t feel pressured to endorse someone. There are problems on both sides. I encourage people to use your critical thinking skills, use your vote — vote small, vote for what’s going on in your city.”
Following this interview, fans rushed to support and criticize Roan’s statement. Roan has since stated she will vote for Harris, but will not endorse the campaign. However, students question whether endorsements actually impact voters at the polls.
“I highly doubt it,” Staheli said. “I feel like it would more sway people's opinions of the celebrities than of the candidates.”
Connor Arnold, a sophomore studying psychology, discussed Jack Black’s recent controversy. Black announced the end of the Tenacious D World Tour on Instagram, following bandmate Kyle Gass’ comment on an assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
“I get promoting certain political people, but I think a full force reaction like that is too much because then it only really reflects back onto you as a celebrity,” Arnold said. “People (who support Tenacious D) aren’t going to be like … ‘I support the band, let’s vote for Trump.’ That’s not going to happen.”
Despite Black stating the comedy duo will return, the Spicy Meatball Tour remains canceled with no future plans.
Anna McCabe, a freshman studying biological sciences, said endorsements can bring awareness to issues common people are not aware of.
“I would hope that most people base their opinions on their own morals,” McCabe said. “Not what social media influencers or famous people who have a big platform are saying, because they’re basing it on their own morals and judgments.”
Numerous celebrities have used social media to show support for their candidate of choice, including Jennifer Lawrence, Olivia Rodrigo, Mark Hamill and Elon Musk.
With Nov. 5 just a few days away, it is clear that the intersection of pop culture and politics can no longer be ignored.
