Social Media & Elections

Social media’s impact on elections and civic engagement is multifaceted--it has both positive and destructive results.

For the negative: Did you know that at least 18 countries worldwide experienced election manipulation through social media in recent years? Russia’s interference in the U.S. election is well-documented, but other nations also engaged in similar tactics. Some countries even pay influencers to go on social media and get things trending that favor whichever party is in power at the time. And now with troll farms and bot armies, it’s hard to even know what is real anymore when it comes to discussions about politics and politicians online.

But for the positive: Many young people (and people of all ages) have been able to get involved in politics and discuss topics they are passionate about via social media and other forms of technology. There have even been political uprisings and movements where people fought oppressive governments by leveraging the power of social media for change. From millions marching in the streets to actually changing who runs governments, social media has been a force across the entire globe for change and open dialogue.

Your Task:

• What do you think? How can we amplify the good of social media while minimizing the bad? Brainstorm a list of 3 different ways that young people can help social media be more of a force for good, especially when it comes to politics, elections, and the things that influence all of our lives.