Westcol and the End of Power The success of influencer Westcol’s interviews with political figures highlights a shift in political influence, now emanating from individuals with large social media followings rather than solely from established politicians and organizations. This phenomenon, termed ‘micropowers’ by Moisés Naím, signifies a change in how public opinion is shaped, with digital entertainment platforms becoming primary sources of information for a significant segment of the population. Colombia’s high social media usage underscores the need for leaders to adapt to this blend of information and entertainment.

• Political influence is shifting from traditional politicians and organizations to social media influencers.
• Influencers like Westcol demonstrate the power of informal communication and digital platforms in reaching a wide audience.
• A new segment of society consumes information and engages with public affairs through digital entertainment.
• The concept of ‘micropowers’ describes smaller actors who can influence or transform decisions made by larger entities.
• Colombia ranks high globally in time spent on social media, indicating a strong preference for digital content.
• Leaders in Colombia must adapt to a populace that consumes a mix of information and entertainment online. https://www.elcolombiano.com/opinion/columnistas/federico-hoyos-salazar-westcol-y-el-fin-del-poder-BD36422388