Youth Political Participation in Developing Democracies: Social Media, Mobilization, and Policy Influence

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Article / Journal

Author(s) / editor(s):
Azmat Ali Shah , Fareed Ullah , Umar Khan

Year: 2026

Keywords: youth political participation; digital activism; developing democracies
Language(s): English

Abstract:
The paper analyses youth political participation in developing democracies (Pakistan, India, Nigeria, Indonesia) from 2010–2024, focusing on how platforms like Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and WhatsApp have turned young people into active political stakeholders. It shows that youth-driven digital activism has expanded democratic participation by raising political awareness, producing counter‑narratives and enabling direct interaction with leaders, while also facing constraints from misinformation, surveillance, polarization and digital divides. The paper argues that lasting youth empowerment requires institutional reform, inclusive political structures and robust digital literacy, and offers strategic recommendations for governments, civil society and international organisations.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18239515

Post created by: Virginia Signorini

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