In contemporary discussions, 'populism' often refers to politics that resonates with everyday individuals, making it both understandable and accessible. This dynamic caters to a modern audience that is easily distracted, constantly switching between various forms of media, whether they're relaxing at home or engaging in their work environment. Such an understanding of populism highlights the importance of connecting with people in a way that captures their fragmented attention.

Niall Ferguson, in his book "The Square and the Tower," examines how political messaging adapts to an audience that interacts with technology on multiple platforms. This connection reflects a broader trend in politics aimed at simplifying complex ideas so they can be grasped quickly by individuals who navigate their lives through an array of digital devices. In this context, populism becomes a strategy to engage a populace increasingly consumed by screen-based communication.