there’s a growing trend of using social media influencers to spread political messages and disinformation. Researchers have found that micro-influencers—those with 25,000 followers or fewer—are increasingly involved in this practice, often without disclosing who paid for it1. Both Democrats and Republicans have engaged influencers during the 2020 campaigns, and some influencers have even formed “hype houses” to collaborate on content for their followers. For instance, when former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg ran for president, his campaign paid influencers to post about him, with proper disclosure. However, concerns about transparency and the spread of disinformation have led experts to call for regulations in this area. Interestingly, marketing experts believe that influencers remain underutilized in political campaigns, and this trend is expected to grow in future elections. So, yes, people are indeed being paid to endorse politicians on social media, and it’s a practice that warrants attention.
Sources:
https://www.promarket.org/2021/01/13/propaganda-influencers-paid-spread-political-disinformation/
https://mediaengagement.org/research/social-media-influencers-and-the-2020-election/
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/23/biden-campaign-social-media-influencers-00136389
h/t Furpurr87