Influencers and Their Ability to Engineer Collective Online Behavior: A Boon and a Challenge for Politics

Abstract

Influencers can be powerful allies in spreading important information, but they can also be weaponized to undermine social cohesion and democratic processes. While their ability to amplify narratives, engineer trends, and mobilize communities has made them into valuable commodities for promoting ideas and beliefs, their expertise and power can be exploited. This DGAP Policy Brief outlines strategies for policymakers to harness influencers' potential while mitigating the risks of manipulation to safeguard democratic stability.