![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/us-midterms-could-social-media-swing-it/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/127539498_img_6669.jpg&description=Image source, Sam SchmirImage caption, 'Being able to steer the next generation in a positive way - I think that's going to play an enormous role,' says TikTok influencer Sam ShlafsteinThere was probably a time when posting videos about the politics of farming on social media definitely wasn't considered cool. But TikTok may have changed that, and it could be changing the results of elections too. Videos about this month's US midterms have been viewed hundreds of millions of times. There are concerns about the spread of misinformation on the platform, but young influencers insist it can be a force for good. "It's a social media election and TikTok is playing a huge part," Sam Shlafstein from Gen-Z for Change tells BBC Newsbeat. The group - which has more than 1.5 million followers - is made up of dozens of popular TikTokers, almost like an Avengers for political content creators."It's trying to get people engaged who maybe aren't as interested in politics," says Sam. "And then slowly, over time, they can become more engaged and knowledgeable."The 19-year-old college student in California posts tongue-in-cheek videos about issues such as climate change and the role of the agricultural industry.This comedic approach has earned him a serious following and he's built up more than 137,000 subscribers.Sam directs these fans from his channel to other campaigning information. Media caption, Watch: How Gen Z and TikTok could influence US electionGen-Z for Change began as TikTok for Joe Biden during the 2020 presidential election, and the group has since worked with the White House.But Sam insists they can also be "critical of [President Biden's] Democrats and their inaction". On the other side, Republican Party politicians and supporters have recently been making an impact on the platform, too. "TikTok has been an incredible outlet for me to express my views," 21-year-old anti-abortion campaigner Savannah Craven tells Newsbeat from New York. "In about a year, I have gained o){kind=link}
There was probably a time when posting videos about the politics of farming on social media definitely wasn’t considered cool.
But TikTok may have changed that, and it could be changing the results of elections too.
Videos about this month’s US midterms have been viewed hundreds of millions of times.
There are concerns about the spread of misinformation on the platform, but young influencers insist it can be a force for good.
“It’s a social media election and TikTok is playing a huge part,” Sam Shlafstein from Gen-Z for Change tells BBC Newsbeat.