How do social media platforms influence the political participation of young adults in the United States?

Research Objective: This study aims to examine the role of social media platforms in shaping the political participation of young adults in the United States. With the rise of digital media, platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook have become essential tools for political discourse, advocacy, and mobilization. This research will focus on understanding how young adults use social media for political engagement and whether these platforms significantly influence their voting behavior, activism, and civic involvement.

Research Questions:

• How do young adults in the U.S. engage with political content on social media?

• To what extent do social media platforms influence young adults’ decisions to vote or participate in political activism?

• What role does the spread of misinformation or polarizing content play in shaping political attitudes?

Methodology:

• Survey: Collect data from young adults (ages 18-30) using an online survey to assess their usage of social media for political participation.

• Interviews: Conduct semi-structured interviews with participants to gather qualitative insights into their motivations for using social media in politics.

• Content Analysis: Analyze the political content shared on popular social media platforms among young adults.

Expected Outcome: This research will provide insights into how social media is reshaping political engagement among young adults and may suggest new strategies for using digital platforms to promote democratic participation.