Virtual Voices: The Role of Social Media in Shaping Civic Engagement Among Young Adults

Abstract

This study uses Media System Dependency Theory and Uses and Gratification Theory as theoretical underpinnings to examine the intricate relationship between social media use and civic involvement among young adults in Pakistan. As digital platforms become more and more important for social contact and political discourse, this study investigates how several aspects of social media such as usage patterns, motivations, political discourse, and content consumption influence civic behavior in the digital age. Utilizing a quantitative approach, information was gathered from 500 young social media users between the ages of 18 and 34 via a structured online survey. The results show a statistically significant negative relationship between social media use and civic involvement, suggesting that excessive use may discourage active civic engagement and instead encourage passive behaviors. Civic participation did not significantly correlate with other factors, such as incentives, political discourse, or frequency of use. These results cast doubt on the idealistic notion that social media serves as an involuntary stimulant for political engagement and emphasize the necessity of distinguishing between petty online behavior and genuine civic citizenship. The study emphasizes how crucial it is to promote critical digital literacy and engagement tactics that go beyond "slacktivism" in order to develop more substantial kinds of active citizenship.