by Mehreen Zahid, Contributing Author
Introduction
It’s no secret that there has been a massive increase in adolescent and young adult interest for the last two elections, especially since the increasing popularity of TikTok. Whereas before most political information was available through news channels, the accessibility of short form videos has made political information more digestible and entertaining. Younger users are more attracted to bite sized content or even a humorous take on a political issue. Viral trends and challenges such as, #IVoted or #VoteReady along with popular influencers encouraging voting has made younger users more inclined to learn about candidates and issues. Politicians and campaign teams have recognized the value of these platforms and now use Tiktok, Instagram, and Snapchat directly to access young populations.There are several downsides and risks that young users and parents should be aware of regarding the intersectionality of elections and social media use. Rapid user generated content can make it easy for misinformation to spread quickly. Social media algorithms can make it easier for sensational or emotionally charged content to go viral faster. This can lead to echo chambers, where users are repeatedly exposed to the same perspectives, potentially skewing their views and limiting exposure to diverse opinions. It can also heighten emotional responses, increase polarization, and make it harder for users to distinguish between credible sources and misinformation. Users should look out for manipulation through paid content and sponsorships and oversimplification of complex issues. Users should be encouraged to verify whatever information has been presented prior to taking any action.
TLDR
The rise of TikTok has greatly increased young people's interest in recent elections by making political information more accessible and entertaining through short videos, viral trends, and influencers. Politicians have also started using TikTok to engage directly with younger audiences. However, there are downsides, including the spread of misinformation, manipulation through paid content, and oversimplification of complex issues. Young users should verify any political information they come across to avoid these risks.
Tips for Clinician/Parents
Start the Conversation: Engaging your children into conversations about political issues can lead to a healthier environment around the topic. You can start by what they know so far, if they have any questions, or what they have learned in school.
Provide them with reputable, verified sources: Maybe your children are not sure where they stand with certain issues. Providing them with verified sources of information can help ensure they aren’t using social media as their primary source for political information.
Participate with them in political events: Tuning into live events, such as rallies and debates on TV or in person, can be a great way for parents to interact and promote political discussion with their children. However, too much sensationalization without nuance may lead to black and white thinking.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Increased engagement
Higher voter turnout
Access to politicians
Informed choices
Cons:
Misinformation risks, spread of false information & the challenge of verification
Emotional manipulation
Commercial influence (paid content, hidden agendas)
Other Relevant Stuff
Social media and youth political engagement: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1369148117718461
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