From Trends to Politics: The Power of Instagram and Tiktok to Shape What We Think
- Helena Dias
- May 26
- 3 min read
Spending hours scrolling on social media platforms like Tiktok and Instagram has become a part of many teenager's routines. From dance trends to small clips on political debates, those platforms often flood our brains with information and we don't even realize it. In fast digital environments, opinions can be formed almost instantly as users are exposed to constant streams of short form content. With our brains working this fast and information being sent to us at such high speeds through short videos, an important question is raised: how much of what we believe is influenced by what we see on the internet? A single 30 second video can introduce an idea, shape an opinion, and make it feel like a fact. Platforms like Tiktok and Instagram do more than just entertain; they shape what we think by controlling the content we are absorbing.
Social media platforms use algorithms that control what users see, which shapes their perspective of the world. Have you ever wondered why videos on the same topic keep appearing on your “For You” page? This is not random, and can be explained by the use of algorithms. These systems work with the goal of keeping users on the platform for longer by selecting videos based on their engagement. They track behaviours such as what users like, comments on, share, and watch for longer periods of time, eventually creating a personalized feed. The issue with this system is that it creates echo chambers. When users are constantly exposed to repetitive content, biased opinions are often enforced and the exposure to different perspectives is limited. This suggests that people are not freely exploring ideas on the internet, they are navigating versions of reality that were selected for them.
The short videos we are often interacting with on social media can also oversimplify complex issues. Research from the National Library of Science enforces that social media exposure can directly influence attitudes and beliefs, especially when ideas are repeated multiple times. This suggests that content users engage with is not only entertaining, but is shaping how they think. Additionally, the research highlights the importance of echo chambers, environments where opinions, political leanings, and beliefs are reinforced through interaction with like-minded users. The group polarization theory reveals that these spaces “can act as… mechanism[s] to reinforce an existing opinion within a group and, as a result, move the entire group toward more extreme positions.” This highlights how quick and repetitive social media interactions can form extreme opinions on people's minds without fully understanding the complexity of the issues.
Besides influencing what people think, social media plays an important role in shaping what people feel safe expressing in various environments. When interacting in social media, people are less likely to share opinions if they think others disagree. This constant fear of backlash leads to silenced individuals, in a pattern Pew Research Center recognizes as the “spiral of silence.” As open disagreement is discouraged by social media environments, people often feel pressured to adopt other beliefs that connect with what other users and influencers post. Because of this, instead of encouraging independent thought, social media can push users to adopt opinions that feel safest even if they are not the most accurate.
Despite its negative effects, social media also offers meaningful benefits. According to Brookings Institution, social media makes information more accessible to young people, increasing political awareness and participation. Furthermore, platforms like Instagram, X, and Tiktok allow marginalized groups to share their voices and connect with other users who hold similar opinions. Through this process, these platforms create spaces for discussion and activism. As a result, social media can empower users and encourage political engagement, demonstrating that its influence is not entirely harmful but depends on how it is used.
So, how much of what we believe is truly our own? It is clear that social media is not just a source of entertainment, but a powerful mechanism that can shape how we think and what we believe in. Platforms like Instagram and Tiktok control what users see, reinforce certain beliefs, and shape how comfortable people feel about sharing their opinions. While these platforms can increase political engagement, they also limit perspectives and create polarized and oversimplified opinions on complex topics. Ultimately, social media is not fully harmful, but its impact depends on how it is being used. As users, our responsibility lies in questioning the content we consume and being careful not to let all information we come across on the internet influence our beliefs.
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