Social Media & the Democratic Battleground Coalition
National poll examines 2024 impact of social media, tech and related policies on Biden2020 voters
Poll reveals social media a top source of political news, especially among Young, Black, Hispanic and undecided voters in swing states.
WASHINGTON— Key findings from a recent poll of swing state voters who supported President Joe Biden in 2020 revealed the critical role social media plays in educating members of the voting bloc about key political issues despite their healthy skepticism of numerous platforms.
KAIROS DEMOCRACY PROJECT (KDP) and Democracy In Action released polling results Thursday from Brilliant Corners Research & Strategies’ recent examination of Biden 2020 voters’ attitudes toward 2024 candidates and the general state of play.
"The coalition of voters in swing states that elected Biden in 2020 are highly active on social media, with a third using at least two social media sites daily,” said Cornell Belcher, founder and president of Brilliant Corners.
Among the findings, the poll revealed:
30% of respondents said that they receive their news/community information almost exclusively via social media.
Top issues cited by the 1,001 respondents spanning eight battleground states included protecting abortion and reproductive rights, protecting Social Security and Medicare and protecting voting rights and Democracy.
Barely 3% of respondents support a TikTok ban.
Only 38% believe Congress is spending time and energy on issues important to them, and 75% of those respondents said the disconnect motivates them to vote.
When asked about the potential use and misuse of personal data online, 23% of respondents said that big U.S. tech companies pose the biggest threat to their personal data privacy and security, trailed by China at 20% and Russia at 18%.
When asked about the mistrust of tech executives, 74% expressed a mistrust of Elon Musk and 64% expressed aa mistrust for his social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
Lastly, 72% of respondents expressed that Tech companies should be more regulated.
“Social media is a top source of political news and information, especially among younger voters, Hispanic voters, and undecided voters,” Belcher said.
Michael Blake, who founded and helms KDP, strategically partnered with Democracy in Action to commission the poll (complete results attached) to identify actionable steps the voter-engagement nonprofit can take to spur less talk and more action if democracy is going to prevail in November’s general election.
"Biden 2020 voters desire government and corporate leaders who promote how we use technology for good, instead of trying to ban TikTok for good. We are excited to partner with Democracy In Action and Brilliant Corners to show the data of what our coalition of voters actually feel about social media in 2024. We can have the democracy we deserve by embracing social media and technology as part of our present and future, not as problems and with fear," said Blake, a former White House Associate Director of Intergovernmental Affairs & Public Engagement, former Democratic National Committee vice chair and former New York Assemblymember.
"Black, Brown and young voters seek to use social media to be empowered, educated and entertained. Yes, they prefer more social media regulation as leaders need to work to earn more of their trust. KAIROS DEMOCRACY PROJECT is a part of the path forward as we will foster more impactful storytelling with a more inclusive social media approach,” Blake added.
For instance, the poll revealed the caution with which those surveyed view the reliability of the content their go-to social media platforms push as well as potential agendas of the companies behind them.
“The Biden coalition is also skeptical about big tech and social media companies, and wary about the impacts they have on our society. Most want the tech sector to be more regulated and a plurality say that big tech companies are a greater threat to data privacy and security than foreign countries or the US government,” Belcher said.
Meanwhile, Democracy in Action Founder Telley Madina applauded the measurable uptick in Black and Brown influencers dedicating an increased amount of time and energy to centering democracy-focused policies and reforms.
“The impact of Black and Brown social media influencers is profound, ensuring that marginalized voices are not only heard but also integral to our democratic process. Understanding and engaging with these influencers in battleground states is crucial for shaping community mobilization and fostering informed civic participation,” Madina said.
About the Kairos Democracy Project: KDP is a first-of-its-kind program created to mobilize and engage young voters and voters of color by centering issue advocacy and amplifying the benefits of democracy on daily life. The nonpartisan initiative, created in partnership with Future Majority, aims to boost voter participation among these two voting blocs through coordinated communications, influencer engagement, surrogate deployment and grassroots organizing. A key component of the program will be the creation of a hub for sophisticated research intended to combat disinformation.
About Democracy in Action: Democracy in Action is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to empowering individuals to understand and participate in the political processes that shape their lives. Believing that informed and engaged citizens are the cornerstone of a thriving democracy, we provide accessible and impartial education on the political landscape, from local to national levels. We prioritize people over politics and work tirelessly to develop innovative and equitable public policy solutions that address the needs of all communities. Additionally, we support the efforts of grassroots organizations and community leaders by providing strategic guidance, sharing best practices, and facilitating partnerships.
About Brilliant Corners: Founded by Cornell Belcher in 2001, Brilliant Corners is a nationally and internationally respected democratic polling firm that conducted groundbreaking work on behalf of the Democratic National Committee, culminating in its widely successful 50-state strategy. As lead pollster for the DNC, Brilliant Corners was instrumental in expanding the electorate and provided the foundation for the historic gains of the 2008 presidential election. In addition to its critical role as a member of the Obama for America polling team, Brilliant Corners continues to assist high-profile corporate clients with their branding and repositioning needs.
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Contact Michael Ceraso, michaelceraso@yourwinningmargins.com.
Read the full Report here.