L'impact des médias sociaux sur la participation civique des jeunes adultes

Thesis Abstract

The increasing prevalence of social media platforms among young adults has significantly transformed modes of civic engagement, raising critical questions about the relationship between digital communication and active participation in civic life. This study investigates the impact of social media usage on the civic participation behaviors of young adults aged 18 to 29 in urban environments, addressing the pressing need to understand how digital platforms influence democratic processes and societal involvement in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The primary aim is to examine the extent and nature of social media’s influence on civic engagement, encompassing political participation, community activism, and social awareness, with specific objectives to quantify social media usage patterns, identify critical mediators and moderators of civic participation, and analyze the underlying theoretical mechanisms. Employing a quantitative research design rooted in the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991) and the Digital Engagement Framework (Kahne & Bowyer, 2017), the study collected primary data through a structured survey administered to a representative sample of 800 young adults selected via stratified random sampling from metropolitan areas. The survey instrument included validated scales measuring frequency and purpose of social media use, civic involvement activities, political efficacy, trust in institutions, and perceived social influence. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, multiple regression analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test hypothesized relationships and causal pathways between social media engagement and civic participation behaviors. The reliability of instruments was confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.80, and validity was established via confirmatory factor analysis. Preliminary hypotheses suggest that higher levels of social media engagement positively correlate with increased civic participation, mediated by perceived social influence and political efficacy. It is anticipated that the findings will reveal nuanced insights into how specific types of social media activities, such as content sharing, online discussions, and activism campaigns, are associated with tangible civic behaviors. These results are expected to demonstrate that social media serves as both an enabler and a facilitator of civic involvement, especially when mediated by factors like peer influence and perceived efficacy, in line with the theoretical frameworks employed. The study’s contributions to knowledge lie in offering empirical evidence on the mechanisms through which social media influences civic behaviors among young adults, filling existing gaps in literature regarding the contextual and psychological factors involved. It advances understanding of digital civic engagement within a socio-political context and provides a theoretical and practical basis for policymakers, educators, and civic organizations seeking to harness social media’s potential for civic education and participation. The main conclusion emphasizes that social media platforms can significantly promote civic participation among young adults, provided that targeted interventions enhance digital literacy, foster online communities, and address issues of misinformation and disengagement. Based on the findings, the study recommends initiatives to leverage social media for civic education, policy frameworks to encourage responsible digital engagement, and further longitudinal research to assess long-term impacts and evolving trends. Overall, this research underscores the importance of strategic utilization of digital platforms to strengthen democratic participation and community engagement among youth in the digital age.