Who uses the social media relm of digital politics the most within America?
Is digital politics via social media posts as forthcoming as expected with those transitioning from teenage years to their 20’s? Or will it descend, as does civic and political engagement from younger audiences, especially in Western democracies ? When discussing this, it is crucial to outline the specific age brackets in which this is applicable too. Here the age group being discussed will be those in America aged 16-24, looking at the way this age group uses social media as a form of digital politics.
However, it must be noted that this age group is said to be the least politically engaged age group , with a social sciences researcher Chester stating the drop in the younger generations' political engagement could be due to the abundance of frustration towards former president Trump. A president that continuously disregarded contemporary international matters that will affect younger generations.
Overall statistics show that voting, a traditional form of political participation in Americans aged 16-24 is decreasing and that this is the least politically engaged aged group. However, the new concept of 'Generation Z' challenges this narrative by suggesting there is a growth in social media being used as an outlet for these younger generations to engage in digital politics.
Generation Z is the next generation expected to be more influential in global politics than Millenniums. This is because they hold more liberal views and have a more dynamic world outlook. In addition, this generation is more vocal in fighting for rights surrounding sexism, racism, homophobia, and bigotry. Therefore, many who fall into this generational group do not associate or agree with traditional right and left party policies. This is apparent within America. For example, a study investigating Generation Z's political engagement in voting revealed that 33.1% identified as politically dependent, thus not voting for either democratic or republicans as they did not believe their policies represented them.
Therefore, this suggests that the Generation Z of America are the most politically engaged through social media. This is advocated through platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, which have quickly changed the face of politics. Digital politics through social media activism is an attractive attribute of the internet, providing a space where the youth of today (Generation Z) can have their voice heard. This is essential within American politics; as previously stated, many of generation z identify as politically independent. Therefore, use social media as a platform to express and share their own political ideologies that are not constrained by the shackles of the traditional democratic and republican party policies.
It has been suggested that those aged 16-19 in America are most likely engage in digital politics via social media, as they are the most unheard age group, the voting age is 18 within America; thus, social media creates a sense of community for those unable to take part in political events. This has created a new concept called "politics 2.0", changing the way we look at political engagement and demonstrating to voters how change can be facilitated through social media allowing these digital political conversations and connections, thus helping push for policy reform.
Those aged 25-39 still have a strong presence within the social media realm of digital politics, whereas Shradie proposes that those within their 40’s are less present, this however is a problematic generlised statement and poses the question are older generations less involved in digital politcs via social media? I argue this is reprehensive to many varied factors, if we categorize the ‘older generation’ in America as being 39+ there are still determining factors that contribute towards their digital involvement such as class and race. Shradie states that there is little research about social class and digital politics due to the hybrid nature of the topic, however, puts forward the argument within America those ages 39+ who partake in digital politics through social media may come from a higher-class background due to their easier access to technology.
Another question this highlights is how can it be changed? I propose that the barriers of technology between class and age need to be eradicated by creating wider education and accessibility of internet use.
In addition, here I suggest the risk that proposed older generations who are not present online are not exposed to more liberal dynamic conversations. Therefore, not broadening their view on the changing world can result in more closed-off prejudiced opinions. This illustrates how it is essential for older generations to be exposed to younger generations' political stances, and it demonstrates the changing modern-day world.
We cannot base political policies and manifestos on history. The globe is more integrated and diverse than ever. There is also more hatred and conflict between communities in the physical and digital worlds. Therefore, the social media outlet of digital politics can be a way for people to connect on pivotal matters such as sexism, racism, homophobia to show a solidarity stance, pushing for parties to include these into their political agenda.
However, this raises the question of what about those who do not have access to the digital world? They are left behind and not politically represented. This will be further discussed in my next post.
