Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has made a significant shift away from politics, impacting the way political campaigns engage with voters online. This move comes after years of being a key player in political campaigns, with the platform being used extensively by candidates to reach potential voters.
The company has decreased the visibility of politics-focused posts and accounts on Facebook and Instagram, as well as imposed new rules on political advertisers. This change has led to a decrease in engagement for both the Biden and Trump campaigns on social media platforms.
The Trump team has accused Meta of trying to tip the scales in favor of Biden, while the Biden campaign has adapted by increasing their online presence through social media accounts to drive engagement.
Despite the shift away from politics, political ad spending on social media is expected to almost double by 2024, indicating the continued importance of these platforms in reaching voters.
The changes implemented by Meta have also impacted major news outlets, with a significant decline in user engagement on Facebook and Instagram for the top news organizations in the United States.
As political campaigns adjust to this new reality, questions arise about how voters will stay informed about the issues at stake in an election. With the decrease in news and politics on social media feeds, campaign ads may become more critical in reaching voters and shaping public opinion.
Overall, Meta’s move away from politics has significant implications for the future of political campaigns and how they engage with voters online. The impact of these changes on democracy and the public’s access to information remains a topic of concern for both sides of the political spectrum.