Digital Populism and the Erosion of Media Gatekeepers: The Role of Social Media in Modern Politics

Abstract

The rise of digital populism has transformed political communication by enabling leaders to bypass traditional media and engage directly with the public through social media platforms. This shift allows politicians to disseminate unedited, emotionally charged messages, often appealing to anti-establishment sentiments, as seen in the strategies of figures like Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro, and Narendra Modi. While this democratizes access to political discourse, it also undermines the gatekeeping role of traditional journalism, facilitating the spread of misinformation and polarization. Social media algorithms amplify sensationalist content, creating echo chambers and simplifying complex policy debates into viral slogans. The decline of institutional trust and the rise of authoritarian tendencies further complicate the democratic landscape. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including platform regulation, media literacy initiatives, and the adaptation of traditional media to new digital realities. The article explores the dual nature of digital populism its potential for civic engagement and its risks to democratic integrity and calls for systemic solutions to balance innovation with accountability.

Keywords: Digital Populism, Social Media, Political Communication, Misinformation, Traditional Media, Polarization, Algorithms, Democracy, Regulation, Media Literacy