Centuries of variation in political systems worldwide show a complex interplay between social norms and the institutions they shape. As societies adapt to new challenges and technologies, expectations for individual and collective behavior shift. Laws and regulations evolve accordingly, making social trends much more than fleeting cultural moments. When these norms become embedded in systems, they can influence democratic institutions for decades. In other words, the social constructs we see today—especially those amplified by social media—are building blocks of our future political systems.⁠ Read further via the link in our bio. ⁠ Photos: Getty Images, Pinterest #intersectmagazine #empathy #friendships