The Changing Nature of Democracy in the Digital Age: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

The increasing use of social media has significantly changed how young people receive, interpret, and share political information. This study investigates the role of social media in developing political awareness and encouraging political participation among young citizens. Digital platforms provide immediate access to political news, public discussions, election campaigns, and social movements, allowing young people to engage with political issues beyond traditional media channels. The study adopts a descriptive analysis based on existing literature and secondary sources. The findings indicate that regular exposure to political content on social media can contribute to increased political awareness and participation. At the same time, the influence of misinformation, algorithmic content selection, and online polarization