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The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has highlighted once again the powerful — and often troubling — role of social media in American life.
Graphic videos of Kirk’s Sept. 10 killing in Utah spread rapidly across platforms like X, TikTok, and YouTube, overwhelming moderators and fueling conspiracy theories. Investigators are now examining the online activity of the accused shooter, Tyler Robinson, who reportedly frequented extremist corners of the internet.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox condemned social media as “worse than cancer,” while Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) urged Americans to step away from the endless “algo-driven outrage” and reconnect with real-world activities. Experts warn that platforms profit from divisive, inflammatory content, pushing users deeper into echo chambers.
Reactions to Kirk’s death have further underscored this divide: conservatives have mobilized to target those they say disrespected Kirk, while critics argue against what they see as enforced grief. The result has been an intensification of partisan clashes online.
Meanwhile, abroad, Nepal witnessed violent unrest after its government attempted to ban social media, illustrating both the dangers of unregulated platforms and the risks of state control.
Analysts say meaningful reform of social media remains unlikely unless advertisers revolt. For now, the platforms that amplified Kirk’s rise — and now his death — continue to shape how Americans process tragedy and politics alike.