What does Democracy look like in the digital age?
The very definition of democracy—of power resting in the hands of the people—feels like it’s shifting underfoot. Today, politics has found its way out of government buildings and filtered through screens and earbuds, traveling with us, folded into the rhythms of our daily lives. This isn’t the grandstanding or polished speeches of yesterday; instead, it’s tucked into conversations that mimic our own, in podcasts and social feeds where leaders speak to us as if we were right beside them.
What does this “up-close” engagement mean for democracy? Is it real, or just another performance?
When Trump shows up on Joe Rogan and millions tune in, or Harris reaches young audiences on Call Her Daddy, it feels like politics has shifted to a new stage—one that’s intimate, casual, one-on-one. There’s a sense that these leaders aren’t just addressing the public; they’re talking right to to us. It’s a more direct line, bypassing the traditional media’s filters. It feels democratic, like everyone now has a front-row seat.
But beneath this new accessibility, there’s a troubling question. The closer these figures get, the more we feel we know them, yet the more deliberate this closeness becomes. We have to wonder: Is this intimacy truly authentic, or is it an illusion? Because in this new landscape, power has a way of reshaping itself, of meeting us where we’re most vulnerable. It molds itself to our wants, our fears, and the deep-seated need to feel connected. But just because power now feels more personal doesn’t mean it’s any less strategic, any less rehearsed.
The Numbers Speak—Are We Listening?
In 2024, 46% of young voters (ages 18–29) sided with Trump, up from 35% in 2020. This shift is more than a statistic; it’s a window into how power taps into that yearning for closeness, for feeling heard. Podcasts and social platforms have become powerful tools, drawing people into political theater that looks spontaneous, unfiltered, and honest. Yet, as these platforms create connection, they also wield influence on a massive scale, blurring the line between genuine dialogue and crafted narrative.
Building Real Connection in a World Where Intimacy is Commodified.
For those at the intersection of power and narrative, these trends are familiar. But the stakes are higher than ever. We’re no longer just observing politics; we’re participating, whether consciously or not, in a new kind of theater where the real and the rehearsed collide. The risk is that in craving connection, we forget to question who controls the microphone—and who decides who gets to speak.
So how do we build real engagement in this landscape? Engagement now demands integrity. It means using these platforms to foster spaces where voices connect for real, where people feel heard beyond the surface level. It’s about more than showing up; it’s about showing up authentically. Podcasts and social media can be powerful tools—not just for broadcasting, but for listening, inviting real dialogue, and fostering the kind of connections that can’t be bought.
Worried the next generation is slipping away? If you're ready to create connections that resonate beyond the screen, let’s talk. Set up a Fit Call to explore a new approach to impact: https://tinyurl.com/FitCallwithKelly
