The Effect of Media Coverage on Youth Political Participation Online: The Case of Facebook in Morocco

The use of information and communication technologies (ICT), and particularly social media networks, exposes users to a vast amount of information that may significantly influence their political behavior, especially during electoral campaigns (Rampon, 2016). However, limited studies have focused on the mechanisms through which digital media impact young voters in the Maghreb region (Amsidder, Daghmi, & Toumi, 2012).

This research project explores the effects of content production and circulation on social media, specifically Facebook, on the political engagement and participation of young Moroccans during the parliamentary elections of October 7, 2016. The methodological approach combines qualitative research through participant observation, semi-structured interviews (N=17), and the analysis of a corpus of textual data on Facebook.

The results show that interpersonal interactions within familial and social circles had a significant impact on youth political participation. Furthermore, intentional or accidental exposure to political information on Facebook played a key role in young people’s decision to either participate in or abstain from the elections. Political opinion leaders also exerted a significant influence through various strategies, including political expertise, relational behavior, and writing skills.

References

• Amsidder, A., Daghmi, F., & Toumi, F. (2012). Social Mobilization in the Age of Social Media: The Case of Morocco. ESSACHESS - Journal for Communication Studies, 5(1), 151-162.
• Rampon, J. M. (2016). Presidential Campaigns: The Uncertain Influence of New Forms of Mediatization. Mots. Les langages du politique, (3), 53-60.