L'impact des réseaux sociaux sur l'engagement civique des jeunes adultes

Thesis Abstract

This study investigates the influence of social media on civic engagement among young adults, a demographic increasingly active online and pivotal to contemporary democratic processes. In the face of declining traditional civic participation, understanding how digital platforms shape young people's involvement in community and political activities is critical for developing effective engagement strategies. The primary aim is to empirically assess the relationship between social media usage patterns and various dimensions of civic engagement, including political participation, community activism, and social awareness. Specific objectives include identifying which social media platforms most significantly predict civic behavior, exploring the role of online discourse in fostering civic responsibility, and examining demographic moderators such as age, education, and socioeconomic status. Employing a mixed-methods research design, this study combines quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews. The targeted population includes young adults aged 18 to 30 in the metropolitan area of Lyon, France. A stratified random sampling technique is used to select 400 participants, ensuring representation across gender, educational background, and socioeconomic status. Quantitative data are collected through a structured questionnaire measuring frequency and type of social media use, civic engagement activities, and perceptions of civic responsibility. The questionnaire's validity and reliability are established through pilot testing and Cronbach's alpha coefficient assessments. Qualitative data are gathered from 20 in-depth interviews focused on personal experiences and perceptions related to online civic participation. Data analysis involves multiple regression analysis to determine the predictive power of social media variables on civic engagement levels, complemented by ANOVA tests to explore differences across demographic groups. Thematic analysis is utilized to interpret interview transcripts, uncovering nuanced insights into how social media facilitates or inhibits civic involvement. A conceptual model grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Digital Citizenship framework guides the analytical process, positing that media usage influences civic intentions and actions through perceived behavioral control and civic competence. Expected findings suggest that active engagement on platforms such as Twitter and Facebook correlates positively with participation in protests, online petitions, and community meetings. Moreover, online discourse promoting social awareness is anticipated to act as a catalyst for offline civic activities. Demographic factors such as higher educational attainment and digital literacy levels are hypothesized to moderate this relationship, amplifying civic engagement outcomes. The study is expected to identify specific usage patterns that are most conducive to fostering active and responsible civic participation among young adults. This research contributes novel empirical evidence to the field of digital civic engagement, specifically within the francophone context, filling gaps regarding the mechanisms through which social media influences civic behaviors in European urban settings. The findings extend existing theoretical frameworks by integrating social media dynamics into models of civic participation, offering a comprehensive understanding of contemporary digital activism. Practical implications include informing policymakers, educators, and civic organizations on leveraging social media to enhance youth engagement initiatives. The main conclusion underscores the transformative potential of social media as a tool for civic empowerment, provided that users engage responsibly and critically with digital content. Recommendations include promoting digital literacy programs tailored to young adults, designing targeted social media campaigns that motivate civic activities, and establishing platforms that facilitate meaningful online-offline civic linkages. Future research should explore longitudinal effects of social media engagement and extend investigations to rural areas and different cultural contexts to generalize findings. Overall, this study provides critical insights into harnessing the digital landscape to foster more active and informed civic participation among the next generation of citizens.