DAGUPAN CITY – Social media influencers and content creators running for office are often used by major politicians as a strategy to enhance their image.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Dagupan, Prof. Danilo Arao, Convenor of Kontra Daya, stated that while it is within the rights of social media influencers and content creators to run for office, their candidacies often contribute to the “celebritification” of politics.
He added that while these individuals could bring change to the political system, they tend to serve as distractions from the true significance of elections, sidelining more progressive voting ideologies.
In past elections, many influencers aligned themselves with traditional politicians, believing this would help their campaigns.
However, in the end, they are often used by big-time politicians to bolster their public image.
Despite this, previous elections have shown that influencers and content creators do not always succeed in securing votes, as their online followers do not necessarily translate into electoral support.
Prof. Arao also noted that claims of not spending on their campaigns are unrealistic, as election dynamics are heavily influenced by money politics.
He also emphasized that influencers and content creators must clarify their intentions and demonstrate integrity to the public, as this will guide voters in their decision-making process.