Youth Culture In Turbulent Times: Affective Mobilization, the Algorithmic Self, and Precarious Belongings

Since the 1970s, youth transition processes have become increasingly unstable, driven by politico-economic shifts and profound socio-cultural transformations, including individualization and the rapid diffusion of digital media. Under the ISA 2027 overarching theme of "Global Sociology in Turbulent Times," this session explores how these ongoing shifts impact globalizing youth cultures.

Currently, we are witnessing a rise in exclusionary nationalism and authoritarian attitudes among young people. However, unlike traditional political movements, this contemporary phenomenon often involves politically apathetic youth who are mobilized by emotional and affective factors through short movies and fragmented communications on social media—a dynamic akin to the "fandomization" of politics.

While affective mobilization is a globally shared trend, its manifestations vary significantly across regions. For instance, in Japan, these trends often take a relatively moderate form compared to Western societies. In these turbulent times, the forms of belonging, identity, and communication that youth rely upon are fundamentally transforming. We observe a distinct shift from traditional organizations to liquid, network-based relationships, alongside the emergence of the "algorithmic self" in identity-formation processes. Does this shift provide young people with the means to navigate and survive a turbulent world, or does it further exacerbate the turbulence itself?

We invite presentations that stimulate discussion on these complex dynamics, welcoming both empirical and theoretical contributions. We especially encourage comparative approaches that carefully examine regional gradations and contextual differences in these global phenomena.