“The House Believes short form online content (such as TikTok, Instagram Reels) is the main driver of our current political division."

Join us for an evening of debate on the extent to which short-form online content drives political division.

In this debate, we might discuss:

Proposition

• Less nuanced political messaging.

• Insensitive to be eye catching over true.

• Platforms extreme views.

Opposition

• Extremism doesn't need short videos.

• Political division started well before social media.

• Parties simply no longer represent the people. 

The following resources might be helpful to prepare for the debate:

• Online competition  - https://nouse.co.uk/articles/2026/03/05/how-short-form-videos-are-pervading-politics

• Political change - https://research.edgehill.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/105569013/MaC_14_-_Experimentation_on_TikTok_Standardisation_on_Reels_Party_Short-Form_Video_Use_in_the_2024_UK_General_Election.pdf

• News extremism - https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5901/cmselect/cmhaff/903/report.html

“Trending sounds and fast cuts mean that political content has to compete with lifestyle influencers and viral dance videos within the same feed. This ultimately pushes politics to become more visually engaging, more emotional and, at times, more performative.” - Nouse - Elena Hopkins