Mary Jo Laupp

Mary Jo Laupp, born in Iowa, gained widespread recognition in June 2020 as the “TikTok Grandma” following a viral video she created. In this video, she encouraged individuals to reserve tickets for a political rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with the intention of not attending, thereby causing a low turnout. This action was a response to the rally being scheduled on Juneteenth, a significant date. The video quickly gained traction across social media platforms, including TikTok and Twitter, amplified by various users, including K-pop fan communities. This initiative drew national attention and contributed to discussions about the impact of digital activism on political events.

Following this event, Laupp was recruited by the Biden Digital Coalition, a grass-roots organization supporting the presidential campaign of Joseph R. Biden Jr. As a volunteer with the coalition, she applied her skills in social media mobilization to amplify pro-Biden messages and engage online communities. Her involvement highlighted a career progression from a high school music department role in Fort Dodge, Iowa, where she directed musical theater productions, to an active role in national political digital strategy. This period marked a significant turning point in her public profile and demonstrated the potential for individuals to influence large-scale events through internet-based coordination.

Laupp’s efforts were recognized across various media outlets, including The New York Times, BBC, NPR, and Business Insider, where her role in the “no-show protest” campaign was detailed. Her work illustrated how accessible social media platforms could be used for civic engagement and protest. This particular milestone initiated a public discussion about the efficacy of digital organizing and its implications for future political and social movements. Through these actions, Laupp became a notable figure in the realm of digital activism.