Robert Irwin Wins Dancing With the Stars but Social Media Takes the Stage

The latest season of Dancing With the Stars concluded with Robert Irwin and his partner Witney Carson claiming the coveted Mirrorball trophy on December 21, 2025. The season captured significant attention, but it also highlighted the impact of social media on viewer engagement and voting outcomes, particularly for eliminated contestant Whitney Leavitt.

Leavitt, known for her role in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, faced elimination during the semi-finals, a decision influenced by a stark lack of public support. Though she garnered a fanbase, voting was restricted to participants in the United States and Canada, leaving international viewers, like those in Scotland, unable to support their favorites. As a result, Leavitt’s exit from the competition sparked discussions about the implications of social media dynamics in shaping public opinion.

Social Media’s Role in Reality TV

Leavitt’s departure from the show was emblematic of a broader issue: the power of collective voting behavior on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Many users rallied around other contestants, contributing to a phenomenon akin to groupthink, which can skew perceptions and influence decisions in real time. Observers noted a wave of negative sentiment directed towards Leavitt, with users labeling her as “problematic” based on limited information.

This pattern reflects a troubling trend not only in reality television but in political discourse as well. The ongoing U.S. government shutdown, which has become the longest in history, serves as a relevant example. Throughout this crisis, social media users often placed blame solely on one party or the other, ignoring the complex realities of legislative gridlock. Political scientists frequently emphasize that such stalemates result from systemic issues rather than the actions of individual politicians.

The Consequences of Simplistic Narratives

The tendency to reduce complex issues to binary narratives—hero versus villain—fuels outrage and fosters division. Posts that polarize opinions tend to gain traction, while nuanced discussions struggle to find an audience. As the algorithm amplifies content that generates the most engagement, users find themselves entrenched in echo chambers. This cycle contributes to a distorted worldview, where social media users feel justified in their opinions without the full context of the situation.

“Outrage spreads faster than any policy briefing ever could.”

This dynamic is evident in both the realm of entertainment and politics. The desire for a straightforward culprit—whether it be a contestant on a reality show or a political party—creates an environment where complexity is often sidelined. As politicians recognize that clear narratives resonate with voters, the incentive structures within political systems encourage them to maintain these oversimplified viewpoints. The challenge lies in breaking free from this cycle and fostering a culture that values understanding over division.

To cultivate a healthier political landscape, individuals may need to step back from social media and engage with diverse perspectives. Embracing the complexities of issues enables citizens to see beyond the superficial narratives that dominate online discussions. As the case of Whitney Leavitt illustrates, the same impulses that drive voting patterns in competitions can similarly influence political behavior, underscoring the urgent need for a more nuanced approach.

In conclusion, while Dancing With the Stars may have awarded the Mirrorball trophy to its champion, the real victory may lie in recognizing the influence of social media on public perception. Navigating the intricacies of both entertainment and politics requires us to resist the urge to oversimplify, promoting a more informed and engaged citizenry that seeks to understand rather than to blame.

Alyssa Gonzalez, a junior majoring in Political Science and International Studies, explores the intersections of reality television and political discourse, advocating for a more empathetic and nuanced conversation around these topics.