Victoria Elliot from WIRED magazine reports that in the second Trump administration, online conspiracy theories are having a growing influence on real-world policies.
Elliot argues that during Trump’s second term, the administration has reportedly prioritized online perception, particularly within right-wing social media ecosystems. These platforms aren’t just tools for controlling conversations, but they shape policy based on what resonates with these communities, regardless of factual accuracy.
WIRED spoke with Prof. Don Moynihan, a professor of public policy at the University of Michigan, who argues that the U.S. has entered a “clicktatorship,” with an increasing entanglement of internet dynamics and politics.
Here are the key highlights from Prof. Moynihan’s interview with WIRED:
- On clicktatorship: Prof. Moynihan defines “clicktatorship” as a new form of governance where social media influences and authoritarian tendencies collide. In this system, decisions, beliefs, and judgments are heavily shaped by online platforms. Everything— including policy decisions, is treated as content to be manipulated, packaged, and distributed. Political leaders are no longer just passive consumers of this content; they are active creators, crafting narratives and fueling online communities in a way that often blurs the line between strategic messaging and genuine belief.
- The shift in political discourse: Prof. Moynihan observes a dramatic shift in political communication. The first Trump presidency was marked by a “TV presidency,” dominated by traditional media and shows like The Apprentice. In contrast, the second term has ushered in an “online platform presidency,” where social media platforms like Truth Social and X are at the forefront. Messaging is tailored for the digital audience, using inside references and terminology that resonate within those specific online communities. This transformation has fundamentally changed the nature of political discourse.
- Social media’s influence on politicians: According to Prof. Moynihan, senior policymakers today are adopting the communication tactics emerging from the social media landscape. We now see political figures using pre-prepared soundbites, printed-out social media posts, and zingers in traditional political settings. Social media isn’t just a communication tool—it deeply influences how politicians think, act, and make decisions. Even leaders who have mastered the art of social media manipulation are being shaped by the platforms they use to manipulate others.
- Content consumption and leadership: Prof. Moynihan stresses that even the most influential figures, like Pres. Trump and Elon Musk, aren’t immune to the effects of the online content they themselves promote. They are shaped just as much by these platforms as they are using them to influence others. For example, Musk’s belief in conspiracy theories has had real-world consequences, such as his role in the controversial decision to eliminate USAID, a decision with potentially significant implications.
- The platform-policy relationship: Prof. Moynihan argues that the relationship between social media platforms like X and political institutions has entered a new phase. These platforms are no longer just tools for communication; they are actively shaping policy discourse. They amplify certain voices, suppress others, and ultimately influence policy direction by creating echo chambers for particular political agendas. There is a growing interdependence between the state and platforms, where each serves the interests of the other. For instance, X has become a powerful tool for advancing state agendas, while the state provides benefits to X and its owner, Elon Musk.
In conclusion, Prof. Moynihan highlights how social media is increasingly shaping political power and policy in US. As platforms like X and Truth Social blur the lines between discourse and governance, the rise of “clicktatorship” raises crucial questions about transparency, accountability, and the future of democracy.
Acknowledgement: This summary was generated using AI writing tools as part of my experimental learning process. For more information, check out the original articles listed below.