AOC’s Social Media Savvy Engages Young Voters Amid Controversy

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), widely known as AOC, has mastered the art of social media to connect with younger audiences, leveraging platforms like Instagram, Twitch, and X to discuss policy and politics in an accessible, relatable way. Her innovative approach, including mukbang videos where she eats while addressing political issues, has garnered significant attention, positioning her as a trailblazer among millennial politicians. However, her outspoken style and progressive stances, particularly on contentious issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict, have also sparked backlash, as seen during a recent town hall in Queens. Additionally, unverified claims on X about her calling for Democrats to “storm” ICE detention centers highlight the challenges of navigating misinformation in the digital age.

AOC’s social media strategy is rooted in authenticity and engagement. With over 13.1 million followers on X, 8.4 million on Instagram, and 2 million on Bluesky as of January 2025, she wields significant online influence (Wikipedia, 2025). Her colleagues in Congress have even sought her guidance on social media strategies, recognizing her ability to connect with constituents (Wikipedia, 2025). In 2020, she made headlines by livestreaming herself playing the video game Among Us on Twitch, urging millions of viewers to vote, a move that blended entertainment with civic engagement (The Washington Post, 2020). More recently, AOC has ventured into mukbang videos, a trend popularized on YouTube, where she eats meals while discussing policy issues like healthcare and climate change (@stillgray, 2025). This approach resonates with younger audiences who value authenticity and consume content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. As one X user noted, “Say what you will about her politics… she understands social media” (@stillgray, 2025).

Her ability to engage young people extends beyond entertainment. AOC uses social media to break down complex policy issues, such as the Green New Deal, in ways that are digestible for her followers. The Young Elected Leaders Project at Rutgers University highlights how millennial politicians like AOC use social media not just for campaigning but also to represent and connect with constituents (The Washington Post, 2020). This strategy has helped her build a loyal base, particularly among progressive youth who see her as a voice for change.

However, AOC’s prominence comes with challenges. At a town hall in Jackson Heights, Queens, on May 2, 2025, a pro-Palestinian protester interrupted her event, accusing her of ignoring a “genocide” in Gaza and calling her a “war criminal” (Fox News, 2025; Newsweek, 2025). The protester, a former supporter, expressed frustration with AOC’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, which began escalating after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel (Newsweek, 2025). While AOC has called for a ceasefire and criticized Israel’s military actions, describing them as “gross violations of human rights,” some progressives argue she hasn’t gone far enough in condemning Israel (Business Insider, 2024; The Times of Israel, 2025). This incident underscores the tension she faces from within her progressive base, particularly on divisive issues.

Adding to the complexity, unverified claims have circulated on X alleging that AOC called for Democrats to “storm” ICE detention centers. These claims lack credible evidence and appear to stem from misinterpretations of her outspoken criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. At the same Queens town hall, AOC challenged border czar Tom Homan, advising constituents to demand judicial warrants from immigration authorities, prompting Homan to suggest she could face legal scrutiny (Fox News, 2025; Newsweek, 2025). Such rumors highlight the risks of misinformation on social media, where AOC’s visibility makes her a target for exaggerated or false narratives.

Despite these challenges, AOC’s social media prowess continues to redefine political engagement. Her ability to blend policy discussions with pop culture formats like mukbang videos has cemented her as a politician-influencer, appealing to a generation that values transparency and relatability. However, as the Queens town hall and X rumors demonstrate, her high profile invites both admiration and scrutiny. As she navigates these dynamics, AOC remains a polarizing yet influential figure in American politics.

References
@stillgray. (2025, May 15). AOC is now producing mukbang videos for clout. X.
Fox News. (2025, May 2). AOC slams Trump administration during Friday night district town hall as 2028 White House talk swirls. https://www.foxnews.com
Fox News. (2025, May 2). Hysterical town hall attendee interrupts AOC, yells about ‘genocide’ in Gaza: ‘You’re a liar!’ https://www.foxnews.com
Newsweek. (2025, May 3). Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez heckled at New York City event. https://www.newsweek.com
Newsweek. (2025, February 14). Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez under investigation over illegal migrant video. https://www.newsweek.com
The Times of Israel. (2025, May 5). Pro-Palestinian heckler calls Democrat AOC a ‘war criminal’ at town hall. https://www.timesofisrael.com
The Washington Post. (2020, November 2). Like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitch, millennial politicians are changing politics through social media. https://www.washingtonpost.com
Wikipedia. (2025, May 21). Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. https://en.wikipedia.org
Business Insider. (2024, March 9). AOC surprise target of anti-Israel protesters, demand she say Gaza is ‘genocide’. https://www.businessinsider.com