The Impact of Social Media on Political Socialization and Polarization among Young Adult in Addis Ababa
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Date
2023-11-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This research investigates the Impact of social media on Political Socialization and Polarization among Young Adult in Addis Ababa. Employing a comprehensive approach, the study examined interview responses, conducted focus group discussions, and administered surveys to 100 participants. Utilizing descriptive statistics, the data were meticulously analysed and presented in tabular form. The survey outcomes underscore the substantial impact of social media on the political polarization of young individuals in Addis Ababa. A noteworthy trend revealed that a majority of respondents frequently engage with various social media platforms, with TikTok emerging as the predominant platform for political content consumption. Additionally, a significant percentage of participants acknowledged the significant role of social media in shaping their political perspectives, attributing it to the amplification of political polarization among the Young Adult. The study's findings indicate that a considerable proportion of participants have been exposed to highly polarized viewpoints on social media. Moreover, the research suggests that social media echo chambers and filter bubbles play crucial roles in fostering such exposure. In response to these revelations, the study proposes several recommendations to mitigate the adverse impact of social media on political polarization among young people. These recommendations encompass strengthening content moderation and fact-checking mechanisms, nurturing critical thinking skills, and advocating for platform-level policy changes and regulations. In conclusion, the study underscores the shared responsibilities of social media platform providers, governing bodies, and users in safeguarding the security and well-being of individuals within these networks. It emphasizes the need for further exploration and evaluation of interventions aimed at mitigating the detrimental effects of social media on political polarization among the Young Adult.
Key Word: - TikTok, Addis Ababa, Political polarization, Political Socialization, social media, Young Adult, Impact.
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Keywords
TikTok, Addis Ababa, Political polarization, Political Socialization, social media, Young Adult, Impact.