Impact of Social Media on Youth’s Social and Political Beliefs

• Muhammad Mujtaba Asad

  Author

In the contemporary digital era, social media has become a dominant force in shaping the social and political ideologies of youth across the globe. The rapid expansion of platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube has transformed the way young people engage with information, interact with peers, and develop perspectives on societal and political issues. This study investigates the impact of social media on the transformation of social and political ideologies among youth, focusing on the correlation between online engagement and ideological shifts. The research explores how exposure to diverse content, online activism, and virtual communities influences the attitudes, beliefs, and values of young people. By adopting a correlational research design, this study highlights the relationship between the intensity of social media usage and changes in youth perceptions regarding democracy, governance, social justice, cultural norms, and political participation. It also examines the dual nature of social media: while it provides opportunities for awareness, empowerment, and mobilization, it simultaneously poses risks of misinformation, polarization, and ideological manipulation. Findings reveal that social media acts as both a catalyst and a challenge for ideological development among youth. The accessibility of real-time news, interactive discussions, and campaigns enhances political awareness and social consciousness, encouraging active engagement in civic matters. However, the prevalence of echo chambers and algorithm-driven content may also restrict critical thinking, leading to biased or one-dimensional viewpoints. This study concludes that the correlation between social media use and ideological transformation among youth is significant, with both positive and negative implications. It calls for a balanced approach that emphasizes digital literacy, critical thinking, and responsible media engagement to ensure that social media serves as a constructive platform for ideological growth.

• pdf