The Influence of Social Media on Youth Political Engagement in the 2024 Elections
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37899/mjds.v1i3.110Keywords:
Social Media, Political Engagement, Youth, 2024 Elections, Digital DiscourseAbstract
The present research aims to examine the impact of social media in the political participation of youths in the 2024 elections hence filling a gap within the literature on digital interaction and political action. Employing an online quantitative research approach, data was obtained through a structured survey from young voters within the age of 18-30. The study established a positive relationship between the amount of time spent on social media and political activity, a coefficient of 0.45; and between exposure to political content and political participation of 0.52. Further, the frequency of discussing politics on the web was also reported to improve engagement (r = 0.35). These observations further support the importance of social media as a key avenue for discussions and organization of political events and operations, especially among young people who are turning more and more to these online products for information sharing and interactions. On the basis of the study, it is possible to advance knowledge of how social media influences political perceptions and actions in highly polarized electoral environments. Included it is the concern for future studies on the nature of technology-based electoral activism that would enhance the political enlightenment of the young voting populace. These findings have important theoretical and practical implications for government, school, and political parties in order to understand and mobilize young people effectively.
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