Learning Online: Social Media's Impact on Sociopolitical Development

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between political social media usage and sociopolitical development (SPD) in young adults and adolescents. While research into young peoples’ sociopolitical development is limited, there is increasing literature to suggest that online and hybrid spaces help facilitate SPD. A quantitative analysis of United States Census data (N = 3862) suggested that political social media usage can facilitate higher SPD. Additionally, in support of previous literature, adolescent and young adult political socialization served as a positive predictor of SPD. Study finding suggest the need to encourage future research in this domain to consider the impact and relevance of hybrid and online spaces, especially as social media continues to be a relevant facet of social interaction.