The Impact of Social Media on Youth Political Participation

Abstract

The rapid growth of social media has transformed the ways young people engage with politics and civic activities. This study examines how platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube influence political awareness, participation, and public opinion among youth. It investigates whether digital engagement encourages active citizenship or contributes to political polarization and misinformation. Using survey data and qualitative interviews, the research explores patterns of online activism and offline political behavior. The findings suggest that social media has increased political engagement while also exposing young users to misinformation and ideological echo chambers. The study recommends digital literacy initiatives and responsible platform governance to strengthen democratic participation.