Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy announced his decision to abstain from social media in 2026, deleting X and Instagram from his phone on New Year's Eve. He stated his team will manage his campaign's social media presence while he engages directly with voters. Ramaswamy cited concerns that constant online feedback can alter a candidate's message and that algorithms often amplify negative content. He also noted a personal experience with a surge of racial slurs online, contrasting it with positive interactions during his campaign travels across Ohio.