Social Media Posts Influence Voter Decisions, Survey Finds

Why it matters locally: Given Alaska's relatively young population and the increasing digital connectivity across the state, these findings suggest social media could play a significant role in shaping local and federal election outcomes for Alaskan voters, especially among younger demographics.

CHICAGO — Social media has emerged as an increasingly influential factor in American elections, according to new research published ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The Q3 2026 Pulse Survey by Sprout Social indicates that 55% of Americans reported that a social media post informed or changed their opinion regarding who to vote for. Researchers found this influence more pronounced among younger voters. For individuals in Generation Z, 79% stated that a social media post had either informed or altered their voting opinion. Nearly half of Gen Z respondents, 48%, specifically indicated that a social media post caused an outright change in their voting opinion. The findings suggest social platforms play a role in shaping voter perspectives, particularly for demographic groups that frequently use these platforms.