A neuroscientist decodes how Taylor Swift manipulates your thoughts and its implications for Trump
If you’re reading this, it’s likely that Taylor Swift has taken over your thoughts.
Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Millions of Americans have recently experienced the same mental intrusion. Whether you enjoy her music or not, the impact of Taylor Swift on your brain could be a pleasant or challenging experience.
However, beyond personal enjoyment or discomfort, Taylor Swift’s global influence is significant. It is anticipated that her influence will play a crucial role in the 2024 presidential election, with her support likely going to Democratic President Joe Biden over Republican Donald Trump.
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Trump’s concern is evident as he tries to sway Swift’s endorsement through social media, claiming credit for her success and predicting she wouldn’t support Biden. This shows the significance of Swift’s potential endorsement in the upcoming election.
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Understanding Swift’s influence scientifically involves recognizing her as a meme with powerful viral capabilities. Memetics, the study of meme propagation and evolution, helps explain the cultural phenomenon of Taylor Swift’s rise.
Cultural transmission, virality, adaptation, and social contagion are key elements defining the Swift meme’s success. Her ability to resonate with universal themes and adapt to cultural changes ensures her continued influence on society.
As her popularity grows, Swift’s meme transcends her fan base and embeds itself in American culture. The impact of her music and persona is evident across various media outlets and influences diverse demographics beyond typical Swifties.
The question of Swift’s potential endorsement in the 2024 election remains a significant one. While her personal and professional decisions intertwine closely, it is likely she will support Biden based on past criticisms of Trump.
Swift’s memetic influence creates a blue bubble around her, making it challenging for her to publicly endorse Trump without facing backlash. Biden’s team anticipates her endorsement and its potential impact on the election.
As the election approaches, Swift’s political involvement will be closely watched. The safest approach for her meme’s continued spread may be to maintain a low profile politically. Memetics predicts this strategy for maximizing her influence.
Bobby Azarian is a cognitive neuroscientist and author of The Romance of Reality: How the Universe Organizes Itself to Create Life, Consciousness, and Cosmic Complexity. He is also a blogger for Psychology Today and the creator of the Substack Road to Omega. Follow him on X and Instagram @BobbyAzarian.