Short Answer
Social media positively impacted the 2020 presidential election by increasing voter turnout and youth engagement, while also facilitating discussions on political issues. However, it contributed to the spread of misinformation regarding election security, undermining public trust in the electoral process.
Step 1: Understand the Positive Impacts
Social media significantly influenced the 2020 presidential election by contributing to an increase in voter turnout. This raised awareness about the electoral process and motivated more individuals to participate in casting their votes. Two key positive impacts include:
- It encouraged active engagement among new voters.
- It provided platforms for discussing political issues and election procedures.
Step 2: Recognize Youth Engagement
One of the notable effects of social media was its ability to spark civic engagement, particularly among young people. Various platforms enabled youth to mobilize, discuss topics of interest, and encourage their peers to vote. This civic involvement fostered:
- Increased participation in voter registration drives.
- Virtual events aimed at educating young voters.
Step 3: Identify the Negative Consequences
Despite the benefits, social media also played a role in spreading misinformation about election security. This had a detrimental effect on public trust in the electoral system. Key concerns included:
- The dissemination of false narratives regarding voting methods.
- Confusion surrounding the legitimacy of mail-in ballots.