What’s Unique About How Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Uses Social Media?

On February 1st, 2021, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) shared her experience at the Capitol Hill attack in a 90-minute Instagram livestream. During her previous 60-minute livestream on January 12th, she brushed over the details but promised she would come back with more details. Both livestreams reached over 5.9 million views. 

AOC opened by asking listeners to think of the regular citizens involved in the attack: the custodians, interns, and food workers who faced the same atrocities as politicians but were ignored by the media. 

Most importantly, Ocasio-Cortez revealed details about her near death experience. She recounted hiding in the bathroom as domestic terrorists flooded the Capitol, screaming that they would find AOC. 

This is not the first time Ocasio-Cortez has used social media to spread information to a large audience. With her active Twitter, Instagram, and even Twitch, AOC has done what few politicians have achieved: reach Gen Z. 

She makes politics accessible and digestible for youth who are hoping to dip their toes in the world of politics, with some even awarding her the title of “Gen Z’s Political Hero.”

It seems Gen Z is drawn to AOC due to her age, as the youngest member of Congress to take office at 29, her outspokenness, and care for the “little person.” These factors, mixed with her use of social media, helps make politics accessible to Gen Z.

While not all Gen Z shares the same political opinions, polls, surveys, and statistics lead experts to believe that Gen Z may be the most democratic demographic yet. Many think that social media plays a huge role in this. With the ability to spread information, Gen Z is exposed to politics from a younger age than any generation ever. 

While scrolling down the TikTok “For You Page,” it is not uncommon for a political video to pop up and take a few seconds of your time thus shaping the political beliefs of Gen Z.

It is politicians like Ocasio-Cortez who take this to the next level. Not only does she advocate for youth in her policies, but she shows Gen Z that politics include them and their voices by making politics accessible on different platforms. Hearing AOC recount the Capitol Hill attack allowed youth to stay aware of current events without having to throw themselves in the throttle of news stations.