Political Streamers Bridge the Gap with Young Voters on Twitch

Political streamers like Jean Massiet and Hugo au Perchoir are paving the way for greater youth engagement in politics by using platforms like Twitch to simplify and demystify the political process. With a substantial following—Massiet boasts around 250,000 subscribers and daily viewership between 3,000 and 15,000—these streamers are making politics more accessible to a demographic that feels increasingly disconnected from traditional political structures.

According to a recent study, while 70% of young people aged 15 to 30 claim to follow current events, their voter turnout remains concerningly low; nearly one in four in this age group abstained from voting in the 2022 legislative elections. This trend highlights a significant democratic gap, with 74% of those aged 18-30 feeling unrepresented by elected officials. Streamers like Massiet emphasize the importance of making complex political concepts understandable to rekindle interest in civic engagement. "I try to maintain the public's curiosity about this very closed world of politics with its codes and institutions," he states, underscoring the need for transparency in political discourse.

Furthermore, the practice of political vulgarization is increasingly taking root on social media, facilitating real-time conversations about current events. Massiet and Au Perchoir aim to provide essential insights into political processes, ensuring viewers can grasp the fundamental workings of the government. With Hugo having hosted 146 deputies on his streams, it’s clear that politicians are recognizing the power of these platforms to reach younger audiences. Alex Giusti, a professor of political communication, reinforces this viewpoint, noting that engagement through social media is crucial in today’s digital age. The future of political discourse appears to be shifting towards these interactive avenues, as traditional methods struggle to capture young voters' attention.