Why Gen-Z’s Online Political Engagement Matters
In an age where social media reigns supreme, the political voices of Gen-Z are often brushed aside. But as recent research shows, we might want to listen more carefully to what they have to say.
Shifting the Narrative Around Young Voices
Young people today are often talked about in a very negative light when it comes to social media. From the endless comparisons to their predecessors, the narrative typically focuses on the downsides. However, scholars like Ioana Literat and Neta Kligler-Vilenchik are turning that conversation on its head. Instead of focusing on the harms of social media, they dive deep into how Gen-Z utilises these platforms to express their political voices in their new book, ‘Not Your Parents’ Politics’.
Exploring the Intersection of Online Youth Culture
Literat, an Associate Professor of Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies at TC, has spent years investigating how platforms like TikTok serve as a hub for young people to share their political views. Interestingly, nearly 40% of young folks reportedly turn to TikTok for news. Meanwhile, Kligler-Vilenchik was quick to notice a change back in 2016, focusing on youth political expression amidst an evolving digital landscape. This book summarizes over eight years of figuring out the intersection of youth culture and politics, and it comes at a time when understanding these dynamics is more crucial than ever.
The Value of Young People’s Political Voices
Not Your Parents’ Politics argues firmly that young people’s opinions deserve real attention. Their voices are not just echoes in a noisy room; they have agency. Literat encapsulates this belief, stating, “We truly believe in young people’s political voice, in their agency and in their collective power.” It’s a pivotal moment for U.S. politics where polarization runs rampant, and organisations can shape young voters’ opinions through social media. Kligler-Vilenchik points out that much of young people’s online political humour is dismissed and shows yet another layer of misunderstanding.
Social Media’s Complex Impact on Voting
The efforts made by the Kamala Harris campaign stand out during the most recent election. Seeking to bridge that gap, Harris’s campaign engaged Gen-Z via TikTok, embracing memes and trends that resonated. Yet, despite these efforts, turnout dipped in that demographic compared to 2020. “While Harris’s campaign effectively utilised social media, especially TikTok, to engage younger voters, translating engagement into votes is a complicated matter,” Literat expressed. The depth often required for proper electoral choices doesn’t always align with TikTok’s short-form, fast-paced nature.
The Importance of Respecting Youth Engagement
Even though Harris didn’t clinch victory, Literat believes that the way her campaign interacted with young people on TikTok offers a template for the future. It shows that online engagements might help young voters see themselves as part of the political fabric, encouraging ongoing engagement in years to come. This message underpins the book: we must honour the way young folks process politics, instead of brushing it off as juvenile. Literat passionately advocates for amplifying their voices rather than stifling them, which can ultimately benefit democracy.
Navigating Polarization in Political Discourse
Yet, the authors also note the flipside: social media politics can sometimes exacerbate polarization. The culture encourages openly wearing one’s political beliefs, but it also creates an echo chamber. Literat points out that while many are passionate, there’s a marked lack of constructive dialogue between opposing sides. Still, she holds onto hope—by connecting on common ground, individuals can see the shared desire for a better life. Before jumping to conclusions based on political labels, what if we first recognised our shared values?
Literat and Kligler-Vilenchik’s work sheds light on the unique ways Gen-Z are reshaping political protest and engagement on social media while urging society to respect these methods. Their findings highlight how understanding these new forms of political expression could pave the way for a healthier dialogue in society. Exploring ideas from ‘Not Your Parents’ Politics’ enables everyone to rethink the role of young citizens in contemporary democracy, particularly as we look into the political landscape of 2024.
