The rise of digital platforms has dramatically transformed how Australians consume news and engage with public life. Traditional media outlets have faced declining revenues and shrinking audiences, leading to the closure of local papers and newsroom redundancies. In their place, influencers, citizen journalists and algorithm-driven content creators have emerged, shaping public opinion often outside traditional editorial standards or accountability frameworks.
While this shift has democratised content creation and given rise to new, diverse voices, it has also amplified misinformation, entrenched algorithmic bias, and reduced the visibility of public interest journalism. Government interventions like the News Media Bargaining Code acknowledge the power of tech platforms — but broader regulation and digital media literacy remain underdeveloped, especially for younger Australians, many of whom will be banned from social media from December 2025.
This conversation will explore Australia’s ban on social media use for under-16s, and the broader implications of disconnecting young people from platforms they have not been properly equipped to navigate. We will unpack how algorithms can amplify bias, misinformation and radicalisation, and consider the role media literacy might play in countering these effects.
The discussion will also address how traditional notions of influence are being redefined as legacy media gatekeepers lose power, and what this shift means for democratic participation and trust. And of course, because we can’t escape social media’s role in the recent election, we will also discuss how political figures are using platforms like TikTok and podcasts to engage younger voters and construct a sense of political authenticity in new, often unconventional ways.
Conversation Leader - Dr Susan Grantham
Dr Susan Grantham is a researcher at Griffith University specialising in the intersection of trending social media, notably TikTok, and its applications within organisational contexts.
Her work delves into the evolving landscape of TikTok use by political figures and parties, investigating the nuances of political authenticity in audience engagement. Further, she is exploring the emerging need for official disaster messaging on the platform during weather events.
Prior to entering academia, Susan has held several senior positions managing strategic communications, crisis management, and social media engagement within the Queensland Government.
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