TikTok sheds light on the real experiences of American female voters during the 2024 election
Termed as the “boys vs. girls election,” is the current presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, a competition that is seen as dividing along gender lines, with “crypto bros” pitted against “cat ladies,” and Barstool nation engaging with “brats.”
Research has backed this notion, with a recent Suffolk University/USA Today survey indicating a significant 21-point preference among women towards the Democratic party.
However, conventional polling data may not offer a complete picture. Social media platforms like TikTok reveal more nuanced shifts among female voters, as they often influence news cycles, according to social science research.
Among these platforms, TikTok, known for its predominantly female user base, stands out.
While TikTok may not be a primary news source, it provides insights into the perspectives of female voters that traditional polling might overlook. Surprisingly, these insights do not always align with the assumption that TikTok tends towards progressive views.
Take Kylie Pitts, a 21-year-old TikToker from Mississippi.
With over a million followers, Pitts captivates her audience with everyday tasks while dressed in casual attire, like making iced coffee, shopping at Walmart, and tending to her child and fashionably blue-collar husband.
Her videos showcasing a sunny coquette aesthetic consistently garner hundreds of thousands of views.
Despite her popularity, Pitts is a vocal supporter of Trump.
On April 29, she revealed a collection of Trump-themed tops in a “package unboxing” video. In subsequent videos, she assured her followers that despite differing opinions, they could remain friends. This message of diversity in viewpoints has not diminished her popularity. In fact, her follower count skyrocketed from 105,000 in March to 1.4 million by October after sharing Trump-related content.
Her videos consistently trend upward, indicating a growing interest in her content. Meanwhile, TikTok unveils a political landscape that challenges mainstream narratives. For instance, the platform’s fascination with the P. Diddy controversy reveals unexpected conservative viewpoints.
Women’s interest in true crime and celebrity culture is evident in the TikTok discussions surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs’ alleged sex crimes. Beyond scandal, these conversations delve into power dynamics and accountability in elite circles.
Jaguar Wright, a black hip hop artist with collaborations with industry legends like Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige, gained traction on TikTok for sharing stories about her interactions with Diddy.
Her videos expose industry conspiracies and cover-ups, sparking a wave of parody videos. More intriguingly, Wright’s Trump support is driven by her belief that Trump stood against the establishment that protected figures like Diddy from accountability.
Expressing her preference for Trump, Wright criticizes the left-leaning establishment and emphasizes the importance of supporting a candidate who represents transparency and authenticity. The resonance of her claims sheds light on the concerns of young female voters.
While pundits speculated on J. D. Vance’s remark about “childless cat ladies” and its impact on Trump’s appeal to women, recent developments suggest a shift in perceptions.
Amid a declining birth rate crisis, Vance’s focus on family-oriented policies seems to resonate with women who seek to have more children. In Michigan, female voters have expressed support for Vance’s pro-family stance, indicating a shift in their political inclinations.
Despite initial controversies, Vance’s advocacy for family values has garnered support from women seeking a more family-friendly America. This shift underscores the importance of paying attention to niche trends on platforms like TikTok to understand evolving political allegiances among women.
Nora Kenney is a writer in NYC. Follow her on X at @norakenney_
