2024 was a year defined by technological influence, political upheaval, and cultural shifts, and the TIME Magazine 2024 Person of the Year shortlist reflects just that. From tech titans like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg to political leaders and cultural commentators, the shortlist highlights individuals who left a profound mark on the world stage.
This year was not just about innovation; it was about how technology shaped narratives, elections, and global events. Let’s dive into the key figures who made the list and the role technology played in supporting each of their journeys.
TIME Magazine’s 2024 Shortlist: The Key Contenders
- Kamala Harris
Who She Is: The Democratic Party’s presidential candidate and current Vice President of the United States.
Why She Made the List: Harris made history by raising over $1 billion for her campaign, focusing on uniting Americans across critical issues like healthcare, education, and social justice. Despite her efforts, she ultimately fell short in the face of Donald Trump’s political resurgence.
Tech’s Role: Platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram were pivotal in mobilizing her base and disseminating her policies, demonstrating the power of digital outreach in modern politics. - Donald Trump
Who He Is: President-elect of the United States following a victorious 2024 campaign.
Why He Made the List: Trump’s comeback to the presidency underscored his enduring influence over American politics and the Republican Party. His campaign thrived on direct digital engagement and support from alternate media platforms.
Tech’s Role: Platforms like X, under Elon Musk’s leadership, provided Trump with an uncensored platform to communicate directly with the electorate, bypassing traditional media filters. - Joe Rogan
Who He Is: Podcaster and cultural commentator known for The Joe Rogan Experience.
Why He Made the List: Rogan was instrumental during the 2024 elections, offering a space for alternative voices and discussions that mainstream media often overlooked. His podcast became a key platform for political discourse.
Tech’s Role: With support from figures like Elon Musk, platforms like Spotify and X amplified Rogan’s reach, showing the rising influence of alternative media over traditional news outlets. - Benjamin Netanyahu
Who He Is: Prime Minister of Israel.
Why He Made the List: Netanyahu demonstrated decisive leadership during Israel’s relentless war against Hamas in 2024. His actions and policies sparked global debate and defined Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Tech’s Role: Social media platforms and digital news networks played a crucial role in shaping international narratives, with real-time updates influencing public opinion and political responses worldwide. - Yulia Navalnaya
Who She Is: Russian opposition figure and wife of Alexei Navalny.
Why She Made the List: Her fearless advocacy for democracy and human rights in Russia kept the fight against authoritarianism alive.
Tech’s Role: Digital tools like encrypted messaging apps and platforms like X were critical in bypassing state censorship and spreading her message globally. - Jerome Powell
Who He Is: Chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve.
Why He Made the List: His management of U.S. monetary policy during economic turbulence in 2024 played a crucial role in stabilizing financial markets.
Tech’s Role: Digital platforms provided real-time dissemination of Powell’s policies, influencing global markets and investor confidence. - Claudia Sheinbaum
Who She Is: Former Mayor of Mexico City and a leading presidential candidate in Mexico.
Why She Made the List: Her progressive policies and potential to become Mexico’s first female President marked a significant milestone.
Tech’s Role: Social media campaigns and digital engagement helped galvanize support and amplify her vision for Mexico’s future. - Kate Middleton
Who She Is: The Princess of Wales.
Why She Made the List: Her continued commitment to modernizing the British monarchy and her charitable work have kept her a beloved figure worldwide.
Tech’s Role: Platforms like Instagram and YouTube helped maintain public engagement and showcased the monarchy’s adaptability in a digital world. - Mark Zuckerberg
Who He Is: CEO of Meta Platforms.
Why He Made the List: Zuckerberg’s expansion of the Metaverse and continued dominance in social media through platforms like Threads and Instagram have cemented his influence on global communication.
Tech’s Role: By integrating AI and advancing virtual experiences, Zuckerberg continues to shape how we interact in the digital realm.
Why We Believe Elon Musk Will Be Crowned TIME Magazine Person of the Year
Elon Musk’s impact on 2024 cannot be overstated. His reach extends beyond technology into politics, media, and cultural discourse. Here’s how Musk’s influence defined the year:
- Influence on the American Elections: Musk’s endorsement of Donald Trump and his support for conservative SuperPACs gave Trump’s campaign a significant digital advantage. By positioning X as a platform for free speech and uncensored political discourse, Musk enabled Trump and his supporters to bypass traditional media filters and connect directly with voters.
- Alternative Media Empowerment: Musk’s public support for Joe Rogan emphasized the rise of alternative platforms over mainstream media. This shift allowed diverse perspectives to flourish, influencing public opinion during the elections.
- Technological Dominance: SpaceX pushed forward with ambitious space exploration goals, reinforcing Musk’s image as a leader of humanity’s future. xAI entered the AI race, challenging established players and driving discussions about AI ethics and safety. Tesla continued to lead the electric vehicle revolution, setting benchmarks for innovation and sustainability.
- X as the Global Town Square: Under Musk’s leadership, X became the hub for real-time news, political debates, and cultural discussions. Every contender on the TIME shortlist utilized X to shape their narratives, demonstrating Musk’s far-reaching impact on global communication.
Looking Ahead
2024 has been defined by the influence of tech leaders who shape not just industries but the global order. Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg epitomize this era of innovation and disruption. From reshaping elections to advancing technological frontiers, their impact is felt in every sphere of society.
While the shortlist includes many influential figures, Elon Musk stands out as the embodiment of The Year of the Tech Bros. His ability to influence politics, technology, and culture makes him the frontrunner for TIME Magazine’s 2024 Person of the Year.
