Mark Cuban, a prominent entrepreneur and investor, has recently voiced his perspective on the critical role social media algorithms will play in the forthcoming 2026 election. Rather than traditional elements such as political policies or candidate personas, Cuban asserts that the algorithms curating online content are poised to be the decisive force influencing voter behavior across the United States.
In a public commentary on the social platform X, Cuban articulated a growing concern regarding the manner in which these algorithms frame political narratives. He stated, “This seems to be a race where everyone’s frame of reference is influenced more by the narratives delivered by the algorithms we consume than the actual events themselves.” The entrepreneur points to the dynamic nature of these algorithms, which adapt continuously as fresh data — whether accurate or false — is introduced into the digital space. This constant evolution creates a complex and volatile environment for political strategists attempting to engage with the electorate.
Central to Cuban’s observations is the rise of artificial intelligence as a pivotal factor in this election cycle. He describes 2026 as “the first AI driven election season where policy and personalities mean nothing and algorithms drive everything.” The implication is that those wielding control or deep understanding of these algorithms hold unprecedented sway. The power dynamics within the political landscape shift away from candidates themselves and towards the operators of major social media algorithms who determine which messages capture the public’s attention.
Further emphasizing this change, Cuban identified two categories as crucial in exerting influence over election narratives: the individuals controlling platform algorithms and the campaign teams equipped with the expertise to decipher and manipulate these algorithms for strategic advantage. This technical capability to reverse-engineer the digital mechanisms behind content distribution is increasingly central to modern campaigning.
Ending his commentary with a note of self-awareness, Cuban anticipates personal backlash triggered by algorithmically generated responses on social media. He penned a humorous remark anticipating “personal attacks that those algos deliver to the top of my replies,” highlighting the often adversarial nature of online discourse shaped by algorithm dynamics.
Meanwhile, recent polling data suggest that despite ongoing geopolitical controversies and digital content disputes, public sentiment toward key political figures remains relatively stable. Last week, President Donald Trump’s approval rating stood at 46%, compared with 51% disapproval. These figures were largely unchanged in the wake of reports regarding the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The stability of these approval metrics may reflect a degree of voter ambivalence or cautious evaluation of foreign policy developments affecting U.S. interests.
Another dimension revealing the intersection of politics and AI is the controversy surrounding AI-generated videos portraying political figures. Last year, synthetic videos involving Trump, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos gained attention in India during localized elections, illustrating the global reach and influence of AI-manipulated content. In the United States context, a YouGov survey exposed widespread disapproval among voters toward AI-generated videos featuring Trump. Examples included one depicting him dropping sewage on protesters, another showing former President Barack Obama being arrested, and a third imagining Gaza as a location of a Trump hotel.
The sewage video was particularly contentious, with 70% of surveyed voters condemning it as unpresidential, disturbing, or offensive. Republican respondents were divided in their opinions, whereas the other AI videos received broad disfavor across party lines. This reaction underscores the societal unease over the ethical and reputational implications of deploying AI-generated materials in political discourse, especially on social media platforms where algorithms dictate visibility.
Photo credit for visuals: Kathy Hutchins on Shutterstock.com.
Key Points:
- Mark Cuban emphasizes the overwhelming impact of social media algorithms over traditional factors like policy and personality in the 2026 election cycle.
- AI-driven algorithms are continually evolving based on incoming information, presenting a complex, unpredictable environment for political campaigns.
- Control over online content algorithms and the ability to reverse-engineer them are now instrumental in shaping voter narratives.
- Polls indicate stable approval ratings for President Trump despite controversies including Venezuela’s President Maduro’s capture and AI-generated political videos.
Risks and Uncertainties:
- Unpredictability inherent in evolving social media algorithms complicates campaign strategies and public information trust.
- Potential misuse of AI-generated content raises ethical concerns and voter backlash risks.
- Voter perceptions may be shaped more by algorithmically curated narratives than by factual policy or candidate merits.
- Influence concentrated among algorithm controllers and skilled campaign teams could diminish transparency in election processes.
Disclosure: This article includes content that was partially created with AI assistance and has undergone editorial review and publication oversight to ensure factual accuracy.