How cultural figures and media shape political awareness and reflect societal trends.

What if the TikToks you scroll through or the novels you read are more political than you think? In modern society, where the information one consumes is very intertwined with their social life, it is hard to separate what is merely entertaining from what is political. From influencers to books, these cultural outputs don’t just reflect society—they can predict, challenge, and polarize it.

The Rise of Influencers as Political Actors

Nowadays, influencers are no longer just entertainers—they have become political voices, intentionally or not. One example is Brazilian media star Felipe Neto, who, with 47.3 million subscribers, has shifted his content to include direct political critiques. By using his platform to both inform and express his views, he has mobilized youth and made complex political issues more accessible. This trend isn’t limited to Brazil—international figures like Emma Chamberlain or MrBeast, even when not overtly political, have been drawn into political conversations through endorsements, collaborations, or public stances. While the growing number of influencers who express their political values might have benefits, it can also spread misinformation or polarize debates if not done correctly. Because many influencers lack political expertise, their commentary can oversimplify complex issues or reinforce biased narratives, especially when driven more by personal opinion than factual accuracy. As digital spaces continue to blur the lines between entertainment and politics, influencers play a growing role in shaping how young people understand civic issues, sometimes becoming the first point of contact with political discourse.

Literature as Prophecy 

Literature is also something that is directly intertwined with politics, as many authors utilize fiction to express their critiques of power structures, societal injustices, and ideological conflicts, just as George Orwell did in 1984, where a dystopian narrative became a reflection of real-world authoritarianism. Allowing his work to act as a warning and predicting the near future, where surveillance culture, manipulation of truth, loss of privacy, and lack of personal autonomy in digital life would prevail. Literature doesn't just reflect the present—it shapes how we imagine and prepare for the future. 

Polarization and the Media We Consume

In the digital age, much of what we believe is shaped not by deliberate research, but by the content we passively consume. Algorithms on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are designed to maximize engagement, often by repeatedly showing users content that aligns with their existing views. This creates a “filter bubble” in which individuals are rarely exposed to opposing perspectives, reinforcing their beliefs and deepening political polarization. Books, films, and influencers also contribute to this dynamic by embedding ideological narratives in entertainment or commentary. For many young people, these sources form the basis of their political understanding, as they encounter complex issues through simplified formats such as short videos, reaction content, or social media threads. While this makes political discourse more accessible, it also increases the risk of misinformation and uncritical thinking. As online spaces become key arenas for identity and community, the media young people engage with plays a central role in shaping how they view the world, and who they believe is right or wrong within it. 

In a world where fiction predicts reality and influencers become educators, the line between culture and politics has never been thinner. Whether through novels, videos, or viral posts, the content we consume holds the power to shape how we see society—and ourselves. That’s why developing a critical lens is no longer optional; it’s essential.

By: Sofia Lima

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil