JD Vance embraces direct, unfiltered social media engagement

JD Vance, the current Vice President of the United States, has made a significant mark on social media with his unfiltered approach. At 40 years old, he is the country’s first vice president who grew up in the age of the internet and social media. He believes in being open and direct in his online interactions, stating that he tends to "err on the side of openness." Vance engages with followers personally rather than relying on a team to craft his messages. He estimates that he writes 98% of his social media posts. His style is more direct than previous vice presidents, as he often interacts with his critics and defends his views in real-time. While some praise Vance's approach for encouraging authentic political discussion, others see it as abrasive. Critic Rep. Ro Khanna criticized Vance for engaging in hostile exchanges instead of seeking substantive conversations. Vance responded to Khanna, emphasizing the importance of allowing for mistakes in public discourse. Vance also recognizes the addictive nature of social media. He tries to limit his screen time and often locks his phone away during the workday. However, he finds it challenging not to check social media for news updates, especially after his kids go to bed. Since taking office, Vance has been active on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. He has posted over 140 times from his personal account while the official VP account has about 250 posts, mostly formal ones. His engagement online includes debates with critics and comments on broader social issues. Vance admits that his online behavior has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters appreciate his willingness to engage, while critics feel his style lacks the seriousness needed for thoughtful discourse. Despite some backlash, he is determined to remain authentic and not overly polished by consultant strategies. His wife has encouraged him to be nicer online, but he believes in the significance of being open, even when it may lead to criticism or mistakes.