TikTok trend shows voters joking about ‘canceling out’ another person’s vote
Young Voters on TikTok: "Canceling Out" a Partner’s Vote, But is it a Trend?
As the 2020 US presidential election heats up, TikTok has become a significant platform for young voters to share their thoughts, opinions, and even humorous takes on the election. One recent trend that has been gaining traction is the idea of "cancelling out" a partner or family member’s vote by voting for the opposite candidate. But is this just a harmless joke, or is there more to it?
A History of Political Humor
Ken Rosen, NBC News’ Youth and Internet Culture Reporter, joined the show to discuss this trend. "Canceling out another person’s vote" is not a new concept, and it’s been around for a few elections, said Rosen. However, with the increased tension and divisiveness surrounding this year’s election, this trend has exploded on TikTok. "It’s a way to inject a little humor into the election, to puncture the tension with a bit of tongue-in-cheek humor," he explained.
Boys and Girls, Parents and Partners
According to anecdotal evidence, this trend seems to be mostly affecting young women, particularly those who are voting differently from their partners or fathers. A recent Axios poll stated that Gen Z is the generation most likely to lie about their voting intentions, which might be related to this trend. "I think we’re seeing a lot of young women who don’t want to reveal who they’re voting for, even to friends, let alone to family members," said Rosen.
Gratitude and Similarity
However, with early voting now underway, there’s another trend emerging: people are sharing their gratitude for having the same political views as their partners or friends. Before early voting, there was a lot of content about "cancelling out" each other’s votes, but now there’s a shift towards celebration and appreciation for shared beliefs. "I’m seeing a lot of people saying, ‘I’m so grateful that my partner or friend is voting the same way I am,’ which is an interesting change," said Rosen.
The Future of TikTok in Elections
TikTok has become a significant platform for young voters to engage with politics, and it’s clear that the app is playing a significant role in this election. Whether it’s spreading humor, education, or simply a desire to connect with others, TikTok is shaping the way young people consume and participate in the political process.
Conclusion
As the 2020 US presidential election continues to unfold, it’s clear that TikTok will remain an important part of the conversation. While the "cancelling out" trend might be a lighthearted take on a serious issue, it’s also a testament to the power of social media in shaping our understanding of politics. Stay tuned to NBC News for more updates on the election, and keep an eye on TikTok for more humorous and thought-provoking content from young voters.