Eitan Hersh on the Perils of Political Hobbyism
The Good Fight
Political Engagement Corrupts Incentives
Political behavior driven by social media trends and viral content creates a misaligned incentive structure for candidates. Political actors adapt their strategies to appeal to citizens who engage with politics as a hobby, favoring emotionally charged and sensational content over substantive discourse. As a result, those who excel in garnering small dollar donations often possess skills centered around creating viral videos rather than thoughtful political engagement. This trend leads to a skills gap, where hobbyists default to surface-level emotional expression rather than mastering the necessary competencies for effective political participation.
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