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

In the era of Web 2.0, social media platforms like Facebook play a crucial role in disseminating political information and mobilizing young citizens. In Morocco, Facebook has emerged as a central platform for political communication, especially during the legislative elections of October 7, 2016.

This study analyzes the impact of social media, particularly Facebook, on the political participation of young Moroccans, focusing on their exposure to political information and interactions with online opinion leaders. The theoretical framework is based on the concepts of mediatization and political participation in the digital age, exploring how digital platforms influence electoral behaviors. The methodology combines semi-structured interviews and textual analysis of Facebook interactions, involving young Moroccan citizens aged 18 to 30.

The findings show that political interactions on Facebook, particularly with opinion leaders, had a significant influence on the decisions of young people to participate or abstain from the elections. These young voters were influenced by both voluntary and accidental exposure to political information, leading to varying degrees of political engagement. The study also examines the differences in social media use between urban and rural areas in Morocco, as well as the impact of disparities in Internet access on electoral participation.

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.