Activism and Social Media: Youth Participation and Communication

Antonio Cortés-Ramos, Juan Antonio Torrecilla García, Miguel Landa-Blanco, Francisco Javier Poleo Gutiérrez and María Teresa Castilla Mesa
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Antonio Cortés-Ramos: Department of Developmental Psychology and Education, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, 29010 Malaga, Spain
Juan Antonio Torrecilla García: Department of Economy and Business Management, Faculty of Social Studies and Labor, University of Malaga, 29010 Malaga, Spain
Miguel Landa-Blanco: Degree in Clinical Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa 11101, Honduras
Francisco Javier Poleo Gutiérrez: INCIDE (Inclusión, Ciudadanía, Diversidad y Educación), 29013 Malaga, Spain
María Teresa Castilla Mesa: Department of Didactic and School Organization, Faculty of Education, University of Malaga, 29010 Malaga, Spain

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 18, 1-13

Abstract: Background: Digitalization and hyperconnectivity generate spaces for youth participation in social activism through social media platforms. The purpose of this research was to analyze young people’s online experience in social activism movements, including their preferences, themes, usage of language, and perceived impact. Methods: The research is framed within a qualitative interpretative–descriptive paradigm. Five focus groups were conducted, including 58 high school students from Malaga, Spain. Results: Several themes were identified through the coding process, including technological devices and social media preferences, participation in social movements or activism, perception of the degree of participation, the focus of interest, motivation for involvement, language use on social media, and beliefs. Conclusions: In a hyperconnected world, youth participation in social movements becomes more relevant. Their interest is reflected in the enormous potential that this social participation of young people has through networks and virtual platforms, becoming an informal communication model with characteristics to be an effective vehicle for social transformation.

Keywords: social media; ICT; digital communication; social participation; virtual communities; digital natives (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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