Modern Social Media Platforms and Teenage Political Perceptions and Knowledge

Abstract

Past research demonstrates the evolving nature of teenage engagement with political content through digital modes of expression, highlighting the importance of civic engagement. The purpose of this study is to contribute to an identified research gap by examining the association between modern social media platforms and increased high school teenagers' political perceptions and knowledge in the United States. This study included 25 American high school students in a suburban high school in the Northeastern United States. Through a Microsoft Forms questionnaire, data from the 25 participants revealed TikTok and Snapchat as the most utilized platforms, suggesting their impact on political engagement among teenagers. Analysis of Likert-scale questions indicated a prevailing belief among the participants that social media content influences political perceptions and knowledge, with moderate levels of exposure to political content on social media feeds. However, there was a moderate level of skepticism regarding the trustworthiness of political information on social media. The role of social media in facilitating civic engagement with American politics yields mixed sentiments. Thematic analysis of structured interviews highlights that the participants could reference current political events, particularly conflicts in the Middle East, as significant sources of political information on social media. Moreover, social media serves as a tool to mobilize teenagers politically, spurring engagement and activism. The implications of employing modern social media platforms in the United States as a tool for teenagers to remain engaged with current political events and directions for future research are considered.