Young V. profile has seven hours of screen time and milks cows on Instagram: 'I think it's actually a plus for democracy'

Danish politician Amanda Heitmann, a recent election winner for the Venstre party (V), is embracing social media as a tool to bolster democracy, despite warnings from seasoned politicians about the potential for politics to become overly superficial. Heitmann firmly believes that digital platforms enhance democratic engagement, even if they sometimes cause her personal anxiety.

Heitmann's iPhone is frequently low on battery, a testament to her constant digital activity. By midday, she has already engaged with social media, checked emails, and participated in Teams calls. While she admits to feeling slightly embarrassed about her average daily screen time, she remains committed to leveraging these platforms for political communication.

Veteran politicians have expressed caution, suggesting that an overemphasis on "poppy" content on social media could detract from substantive political discourse. However, Heitmann counters these concerns by asserting that her active presence online, which includes activities like milking cows on Instagram, is ultimately a net positive for the democratic process. She sees value in connecting with constituents through accessible and relatable content, even if it means extensive time spent scrolling and engaging online.

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I think it's actually a plus for democracy.