Politics has always adapted to new media, says opinion piece

The evolution of media has consistently reshaped the political landscape, with each new revolution altering the skills voters prioritize in their leaders. Social media is merely the latest chapter in this ongoing transformation, not a detriment to politics itself.

This viewpoint counters arguments suggesting that the growing emphasis on social media communication by political parties comes at the expense of traditional political craftsmanship and parliamentary expertise. Instead, it posits that new media present a constant condition that politicians must adapt to.

From the era of Gutenberg to the rise of TikTok, the way politicians engage with the public and the competencies they display have been influenced by the dominant media of the time. Social media platforms are no different in their capacity to alter voter expectations and reward different political skills.