Generation Z, the demographic of digitized information and infinite media outlets at their fingertips, are now old enough to develop their own political ideas and directly influence political elections. Since this new cohort is the first to truly grow up alongside iPhones, the generation as a whole is fluent in the language of technology. This technological environment that individuals are subject to provides greater accessibility and accelerated spread of information, which ultimately results in the faster accumulation of political ideas in young minds. This quick absorption of knowledge among the younger population could also be attributed to the benefit of being able to access data at the click of a button, compared to the time consuming processes prior generations had faced in attempting to research political topics. This shift, caused by the creation and improvement of the internet, is feeding the young people of the United States information in a format that has never been seen before. In a world that is a ceaseless blur of change, examining the approaches to information integration of Generation Z, including the use of social media for education, the effect of celebrity involvement, and the methods of activism, can allow society to better understand the power that young voters have on politics. 

Social Media’s Role as a Political Educator 

As a result of the addictiveness of social media, Generation Z is what can be called “chronically online”. Although this term can be deemed as negative, it is argued that social media is the most influential source of information gain; therefore, being so called “chronically online” can result in the assimilation of a much larger spectrum of information. Using social media as a form of education concerning political issues, as well as building platforms to share thoughts and opinions, are activities that many young individuals are currently partaking in. The executive director of Girl Up, an advocacy group that provides international leadership development for young girls, said, “So I can see the difference… this sort of power of information and power of the knowledge… has opened up Gen Z to a different reality… It’s actually resulting in this sort of being compelled to do something with new information, which is the biggest shift I’ve seen over the ten years” (Deckman 2024). Not only does social media allow for the immediate acquisition of knowledge, but it also motivates people to educate themselves about the political facets of the country due to this access that young individuals have to the internet. The Executive Director continues to say, “Gen Z women are taking advantage of the shift of the knowledge, of the community, of these platforms and of this moment in a really strategic and smart and calculated way” (Deckman 2024). Generation Z has had the benefit of maturing as the development of technology skyrocketed, which gave them the advantage of being able to manipulate technology for self-education. 

Furthermore, Gen Z takes their technological advantage and propels it to another level, using platforms such as Youtube and Tiktok to create their own content. This allows for the formation of one’s own ideas, as well as encouraging others on the app to participate through debating or storytelling with others. This, in addition to the fact that Gen Z actively takes advantage of the resources given, is altering the way that politics and activism is interpreted.

12/08/2024