THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN SHAPING POLITICAL PARTICIPATION AMONG YOUTH

Abstract

The way in which young people participate in political processes is being influenced by social media platforms all across the world. You can give young people a voice in politics by using social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X (which was once known as Twitter). These platforms also provide a location for them to communicate their opinions and ideas, as well as a way for them to join campaigns and groups. Traditional methods of talking about politics have been completely transformed as a result of the pervasiveness of social media, which has made it possible for citizens, political leaders, and institutions to facilitate direct connection with one another. Within the scope of this study, both positive and negative effects of social media on the political engagement of young people are investigated. the methods in which social media platforms address challenges such as digital manipulation, political divisiveness, and misinformation, as well as the positive and bad consequences that social media has on politics, civic involvement, voting, and collective action will be discussed. This study evaluates recent political events and past studies to find that social media has a vital influence in getting young people active in democratic processes. To guarantee that social media positively effects political participation and democratic government, however, adequate digital literacy and responsible online conduct are needed.