Social Media Influence on Youth Behavior and Civic Engagement

Abstract

The social media has contributed very significantly in the identity, communication, and even social interaction of the youths in the online generation. It is a source of entertainment and socialization, as well as it can be applied as the medium of political education, civic activism mobilization, and social change. The discussion in the paper will be covering a complicated role of social media in shaping the behavior and civic engagement of youths. It discusses not only the positive effects (increased political engagement, understanding of social problems, and connectedness of the whole world) but also the adverse effects (misinformation, cyberbullying, social isolation, and performative activism). Based on the psychological, sociological, and communication theories, this paper highlights the two-sidedness of social media, which is a place of empowerment and manipulation. The results underscore the fact that social media is potentially democratic and socially responsible when well instructed in terms of education, digital literacy, and responsible media behavior.