Zoran Mamdani’s Victory in New York’s Democratic Mayoral Primary
I recently wrapped up a podcast where Ezra Klein and Chris Hayes discussed Zoran Mamdani’s success in the Democratic primary for New York Mayor. It struck me that many mental health professionals might have strong opinions about this, yet I keep my media consumption pretty eclectic—ranging broadly from the far left to the far right.
It’s interesting how closely some friends can feel like enemies, isn’t it?
Klein and Hayes suggested that Mamdani gained traction not because he embodies typical appealing traits like socialism, youth, or good looks. Instead, they argued it was his command of the attentional economy that set him apart. Their conversation had a light-hearted tone, which was refreshing.
They mentioned that he’s perhaps the first prominent candidate who really embraced vertical video as a medium. His online presence was crafted meticulously by a team of skilled videographers and communication experts, utilizing filters and targeting specific audiences on various platforms.
I think there’s a lot of truth in Klein and Hayes’ analysis, especially regarding the role of TikTok in his campaign.
There are, of course, numerous arguments advocating for a ban on TikTok. Concerns about security threats stemming from its ownership by the Chinese Communist Party are valid, as is the notion that it can turn users into somewhat oblivious consumers. There’s also a perception that it promotes a left-leaning agenda among younger Americans, which raises flags for some.
For those who argue that many social media platforms have foreign ownership, I call for regulatory oversight.
However, Mamdani’s success highlights a growing political crisis in the digital landscape. He thrived by mastering the algorithms of platforms like TikTok and Instagram. With TikTok in the hands of our geopolitical competitors, it’s concerning how it could influence elections in the future.
In simpler terms, China has significant control over these algorithms. If they decide to propel more candidates like Mamdani into the spotlight, they could easily do so with just a switch.
Do you trust the influence of these algorithms? I’m curious about how younger Americans feel about complex topics, like their views on Israel, and how those conversations differ from those of their parents and grandparents. There’s certainly a skewed flow of information at play.
More candidates like Mamdani could rise on platforms like Instagram Reels, assuming they aren’t directly fueled by support from the CCP. If 2016 was the year of Facebook in politics, and 2024 is looking like it’s driven by podcasts, who knows what 2028 and beyond will bring? Maybe it will be dominated by short video content.
Recently, there has been buzz about TikTok, with President Trump mentioning potential buyers who could address security concerns. That’s certainly a positive direction, but in the meantime, a ban seems warranted.
It’s worth noting that Trump’s initial instinct to ban the app was perhaps justified. Backpedaling now, especially after securing past support from TikTok investors, could appear problematic. Additionally, many legal experts believe it would be unjustifiable to delay such an action any further. It’s also a missed opportunity for Congress to unite on a significant issue.
Trump campaigned on the promise of countering the CCP and curbing its influence in America. He ought to capitalize on this critical juncture.
