Young Voters Disillusioned as Social Media Becomes Political Battleground

A growing number of young voters across democracies are expressing disillusionment with traditional politics, with many voting out of obligation rather than conviction. In Canada and Australia, younger generations are either abstaining from voting or doing so primarily to avoid penalties. Meanwhile, political campaigns are increasingly shifting to social media platforms to engage these demographics, with parties tailoring their messages to specific age groups and regions. Influencers and new media creators are playing a larger role in shaping political discourse online. Experts warn that these trends reflect a deeper crisis in democratic engagement among younger citizens.