Great Depression Trends on Social Media Amid Rising Tariff Fears

The concept of the “Great Depression” has gained traction among social media influencers in the first week of April 2025, according to GlobalData. It is largely driven by discussions surrounding the US tariff turmoil and concerns about potential economic downturns.

The surge in discussion is closely tied to comparisons being drawn between the current economic policies, particularly tariffs, and those enacted during the lead-up to the Great Depression, specifically the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930. The increased tariffs have become a central point of discussion, triggering concerns about potential trade wars, slower GDP growth, and overall economic instability.

“Influencers, largely concerned and apprehensive, are using the historical context of the Great Depression to frame their analysis of current economic trends and policies, drawing direct parallels to the events preceding the depression and sparking wider conversations about potential consequences,“ commented Shreyasee Majumder, Social Media Analyst at GlobalData.

“Certain influencers express grave concern that tariffs, with the US rates potentially escalating and surpassing the peak of the Smoot-Hawley era, may precipitate a global trade war and inflict substantial damage upon the economy. They also point out that the implementation of tariffs could result in higher prices for consumers, reduced global competitiveness for the US companies, and, consequently, a broader economic downturn,” concluded Majumder.