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Social media and the pressure on young people: A dangerous game
Find out how social media influences young people's body image and what role it plays in the federal election.
Social media and the pressure on young people: A dangerous game
On November 1, 2025, the Cologne II constituency will be the scene of exciting political disputes, especially with a view to the upcoming federal elections. The focus is not only on traditional campaign strategies; Social media is also a crucial influencing factor in political communication. Nowadays it is essential for voters to find their way in the digital world and to question the often distorted information.
Again Mirror reports, more and more voters are using social networks to find out about candidates and their positions. However, these media are also a pavement for radical ideologies. The influence of platforms like TikTok and Instagram cannot be underestimated, especially when it comes to political views. This shows that the AfD and its youth organization, Junge Alternative, actively integrate social channels into their campaigns. But experts warn that social media should be seen as a serious threat to the objectivity of opinion formation.
The interaction of social media and elections
The use of social media during election campaigns has increased significantly in recent years. During the Corona pandemic, usage among young people skyrocketed Deutschlandfunk culture highlights. 95% of 10 to 18 year olds are on social platforms every day and spend an average of 30 minutes per day on them. But what brings joy to young people also has its downsides: 30% are worried about their appearance, and 20% show symptoms of eating disorders, which are exacerbated by the unrealistic beauty ideals often propagated on these platforms.
The experts agree that the influence of social media on voting decisions is relatively low. Judith Möller, professor of empirical communication research, emphasizes that numerous factors shape voting decisions and that discussions on social media are often one-sided. Andreas Jungherr, professor of digital transformation, explains that short-term social media campaigns have little influence on voters' final decision. Opinions are formed over the long term and often cumulatively.
Social responsibility and media education
In view of the social challenges that are being forced by the influence of social media, media education projects are of crucial importance. These projects can help teens develop a healthy relationship with social media content. Jantje Almstedt encourages a critical examination of body images and the associated social pressure, while the Federal Association for Eating Disorders e.V. provides important support services to help those affected who are struggling with the consequences of social media.
In the election campaign in Cologne II and beyond, it is essential to understand the influence of social media. Politicians are required to exploit the positive potential of using these platforms and at the same time address the challenges. The balance between digital presence and realism is the key to a healthy culture of discussion and a stable democratic process.