Why People Are Rejecting Traditional Politics
The Broken System, Social Media Chaos, and the Search for Something New
By Ben Cable (Citizen Ben)
If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve probably noticed that politics doesn’t feel the same anymore. It’s not just the usual frustration with politicians or the endless cycle of promises left unfulfilled—it’s something deeper. I know, I feel it also. Across the world, people are turning away from traditional political parties, established institutions, and the very structures that have governed us for generations. And it’s not just one side of the political spectrum feeling this way. So, what’s going on? Why are so many people rejecting the politics of old? Let’s talk about it.
1. The System Feels Rigged
One of the biggest reasons people are disengaging is that they feel like the system isn’t working for them. There’s a growing sense that politicians—regardless of party—are more focused on maintaining power than actually solving problems. Whether it’s corporate influence in policymaking, lobbyists shaping legislation, or backroom deals that put special interests first, it’s hard to blame people for feeling like their voices don’t really matter. When voters start believing that change is impossible within the existing system, they start looking elsewhere—or tuning out entirely.
For example, in the U.S., major corporations and billionaires pour millions into Super PACs, influencing elections in ways that ordinary citizens simply can’t match. Gerrymandering allows politicians to choose their voters rather than the other way around, making many elections feel predetermined. And on a global scale, scandals like the Panama Papers exposed how the ultra-wealthy and powerful evade taxes while everyday people bear the financial burden. These factors contribute to a widespread belief that the political system is rigged in favor of the elite.
2. The Rise of Populism and Outsider Politics
It’s no coincidence that outsider candidates and populist movements have gained traction worldwide. From the U.S. to Europe and beyond, people are gravitating toward leaders who position themselves as anti-establishment. The appeal? They promise to shake up the status quo, break the mold, and put “regular people” first. Whether you love or hate these figures, it’s clear that many voters are tired of career politicians who seem disconnected from their daily struggles.
3. Social Media and Information Overload
The way we consume political information has changed dramatically. Traditional media no longer has the same gatekeeping power it once did, and social media has given rise to independent voices, alternative narratives, and a whole lot of misinformation. People are questioning everything—from election results to policy decisions—and they’re less likely to trust traditional political institutions when they feel like they’re being manipulated. This constant flood of information has created a deep skepticism that fuels disengagement.
The role of figures like Elon Musk and President Donald Trump in shaping this landscape cannot be ignored. Musk’s takeover of Twitter (now X) was positioned as a push for “free speech,” but it has also amplified misinformation and polarized discussions even further. Trump, on the other hand, revolutionized political communication by bypassing traditional media and speaking directly to his base through social media and while entering courtrooms before his numerous personal legal battles. While this strategy was wildly successful for mobilizing support, it also contributed to a culture of political tribalism and distrust. Interestingly, as public sentiment shifts, both Musk and Trump have seen declining influence. Musk’s erratic decisions, controversial stances and ‘burn the house down’ tactics have alienated many people, while Trump’s decisions face mounting government legal challenges and growing fatigue even among his supporters. Their trajectories highlight how the same platforms that once elevated them can also accelerate their downfall. President Trump’s approval rating in a recent Gallop Poll was at 45% (Feb. 16) making him the least popular president in over 70 years. Elon Musk has thrown billions of his money around to influence elections in Europe and a chainsaw to established United States institutions. Musk had a job approval rating worse than Trump at 34 % approve vs. 49% disapprove in a recent Washington Post–Ipsos poll (Feb. 18, 2025).
4. The Generational Shift
Younger generations, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are approaching politics differently. They’re less loyal to political parties and more issue-driven. Climate change, social justice, economic inequality—these are the priorities, not party loyalty. Many young people feel that traditional politicians aren’t moving fast enough on these issues, leading them to support alternative movements, activism, and grassroots organizing instead of the usual party structures. In addition, there is an increased attitude of ‘me’ and less of ‘them’. What do I directly get out of it and how does it effect me? Rev. Al Sharpton said on Morning Joe (MSNBC 02/25/25), “People relate to politicians that relate to them.”
5. A Broken Two-Party System
In places like the U.S., where politics is dominated by two major parties, frustration is reaching a boiling point. Many voters feel forced to choose between the “lesser of two evils” rather than candidates who truly represent their views. The lack of viable third-party options or systemic changes (like ranked-choice voting) has led to growing disillusionment. Some are staying home on election day, while others are looking for ways to push for political reforms outside the ballot box.
6. The Pandemic’s Lasting Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed major flaws in governments around the world. Whether it was the handling of public health measures, economic relief, or the deep inequalities that the crisis highlighted, many people lost faith in their leaders. Trust in institutions took a major hit, and for some, that distrust hasn’t gone away. The pandemic made it painfully clear that political systems often struggle to adapt when faced with unprecedented challenges.
How to Engage in Today’s Political Landscape
Rejecting traditional politics doesn’t mean rejecting political engagement altogether. Many people are finding new ways to push for change—through activism, local initiatives, alternative parties, and direct action. Here are some ways to engage in today’s evolving political environment:
Support grassroots movements – Many issues gain traction from the bottom up. Find and support movements that align with your values.
Stay informed from diverse sources – Misinformation is rampant, so it’s crucial to verify facts and consider different perspectives.
Engage in local politics – Change often starts at the community level. Local elections, town halls, and civic organizations provide opportunities for direct impact.
Advocate for systemic reforms – Support measures like National Popular Vote, campaign finance reform, and anti-gerrymandering efforts to make the system more representative.
Use digital activism – Social media can be a powerful tool for organizing and raising awareness. Engage in discussions and share credible information.
So, What’s Next?
Rejecting traditional politics doesn’t mean giving up. The frustration we’re seeing isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it could be the catalyst for a reimagined political future, one that better serves the people it’s meant to represent.
So, where do you stand? Are you fed up with traditional politics, or do you think the system can still be fixed from within? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments.
Stay engaged, stay informed, and as always, thanks for reading.