Generation Z is the first generation to grow up with cell phones and other fast-paced technological advancements. As this group becomes adults with the power to vote and influence society, we begin to understand how the internet can affect decisions. Social media has more power than we realize over how we view the world and the way information is presented to us. Algorithms organize the content we see on a daily basis and work to shape political identity in both positive and negative ways. Through recording user data algorithms, corporations can influence what products they purchase or view, and receive profit. To stay informed and aware of corporations with specific brand statements or political affiliations, there must be access to a range of technologies, which correlates with the lower economic class's unequal opportunities to engage in public discourse. Our social media platforms can sometimes become echo chambers that reinforce our existing beliefs and only show us what we want to see. On the other hand, political interest groups work behind the scenes to promote content on our feeds to sway votes for one cause or another. Influencers have become the new political figures for Gen Z.  Through their appearance of transparency and authenticity, Gen Z has put trust in these digital creators to translate current politics. Many of these creators include AOC, Dean Withers, Hasan Piker, and Charlie Kirk. Many people trust these influencers and rely on them for their politics.

What we share, like, and comment on helps determine what goes viral across many platforms. During elections, this often includes scandals that can be fake, distorted, or used to defend a political party or attack the opposing one. Platforms take advantage of emotionally charged posts because they are known to go viral and bring more attention to the platform. Social media spreads misinformation quickly through algorithms, bots, and filter bubbles. People mainly see content that aligns with their political identity, which reinforces misinformation. Social identity theory explains that people share political scandals to protect their own group, which increases how far and how fast these scandals spread online.

Gen Z needs to be more aware of the information they're receiving online, specifically political information, and improve their understanding of where this content comes from. As consumers with more awareness, we can strive to combat fake news online and hold social media platforms accountable for spreading biased political information. By understanding the political actors that are shaping the content we see online, we can make more informed decisions when it comes to voting and getting involved politically.