Disclaimer
This article includes insights and analysis generated with the assistance of an experimental AI. While efforts have been made to ensure factual accuracy, readers are encouraged to cross-reference information from multiple reputable sources.
Most people view politicians as corrupt liars and masterminds of cunning. But having been among them, I can tell you this is a fantasy. They are, first and foremost, ordinary people. So why do they come across as such “arseholes,” to use a common phrase? It’s not a singular, sinister conspiracy. It’s a complex and ever-evolving interplay of filters, misunderstanding, and incompetence—a fragile system that is increasingly susceptible to harm.
1. Filters, Misinformation, and the Erosion of Trust
The way we view politicians is heavily influenced by filters, but these have evolved far beyond simple media bias. Today, we exist within digital echo chambers, where social media algorithms constantly reinforce our existing beliefs. While these algorithms may not be the sole cause of political polarization, they are confirmed to make it easier for people to do what they’re already inclined to do [Ref. 1]. In the UK, this has created a distinct “digital information divide,” with 6-8% of the public inhabiting partisan online news echo chambers and being exposed to a more polarized and less trustworthy information environment [Ref. 1].
This environment is rife with weaponized information and disinformation, often wielded by sophisticated actors. For example, in May 2022, the UK government exposed a Russian “troll factory” that was targeting politicians and audiences to spread propaganda [Ref. 1]. More recently, a 2024 study on AI-enabled influence operations in UK elections identified 16 confirmed viral cases of disinformation or deepfakes, including smear campaigns and deceptive political advertising [Ref. 1]. The harm is not just the content itself but the subsequent erosion of public trust, leading to what some might call a dangerous paradox: we are consuming news from sources we inherently distrust. A YouGov survey from May 2024 found that 81% of respondents worried about the trustworthiness of online content, while 76% were concerned about digitally altered content [Ref. 1]. The harm here is clear: it fosters cynicism, normalizes hostility, and undermines public confidence in the democratic process.
2. Misunderstanding a Transformed World
There has always been a disconnect between a politician’s world and the public’s. Now, in the post-pandemic era, that gap has become a chasm. The report highlights that a key finding of its research is the enduring cost of living crisis, marked by inflation outpacing wage growth and soaring essential costs [Ref. 1]. This demonstrates a significant disconnect between policy and public reality. When politicians, often insulated from the immediate economic pain felt by their constituents, make decisions that seem out of touch, it’s often a genuine failure to grasp the urgency and scale of the problem, not a sinister plot.
This is further complicated by a growing generational divide. A 2024 Ofcom News Consumption Survey reveals a significant chasm in media habits: 88% of 16-24 year olds use online sources for news, while only 49% rely on TV, compared to 54% and 48% respectively for those aged 55+ [Ref. 1]. Since individuals tend not to change their primary news sources as they age, this points to a deepening divide in information diets. The harm is a growing intergenerational misunderstanding on key issues, exacerbated by the fact that politicians struggle to communicate effectively across these diverse landscapes, potentially undermining the formation of a shared national narrative.
3. Malevolence vs. Incompetence: A Haphazard Style of Governance
The idea of a political mastermind is an illusion. The old saying—you shouldn’t attribute to malice that which can be explained by incompetence—has never been more relevant. The report highlights that the political landscape is characterized by an evolving governmental stability and a rapid turnover in key government positions [Ref. 1]. This constant, high-speed change makes it increasingly difficult to argue that there is a single, cohesive “master plan.” Instead, we see a chaotic, reactionary style of governance, where decisions are often a result of panicked compromises rather than a well-thought-out vision.
The report also touches on the evolving backgrounds of Members of Parliament, noting a shift towards greater diversity in some areas, but with persistent gaps in representation [Ref. 1]. This directly challenges the notion of a monolithic, cunning elite, and instead paints a picture of a diverse and often disorganized group of individuals. The harm from this haphazard governance is a fragile political environment that undermines trust and effective decision-making [Ref. 1].
The path to a better future doesn’t start with a conspiracy theory. It begins with the courage to look past the easy narrative of evil geniuses and to hold our leaders accountable not for their presumed malevolence, but for their undeniable incompetence. This requires us to be more than passive consumers of information; it requires us to be active, engaged, and critical thinkers.
References
- The Shifting Sands of Power: A Data-Driven Analysis of UK Political Dynamics. Report.