Youth Activism and the Power of Social Media to Drive Social Change

This research paper explores how social media platforms have empowered youth activism and transformed the landscape of social change. With the rise of digital communication tools, young people now play a pivotal role in initiating, spreading, and sustaining social movements. Using a qualitative approach and case study analysis of major youth-led movements such as #FridaysForFuture and #MarchForOurLives, this paper examines the mechanisms through which social media fosters awareness, mobilization, and policy influence. The findings suggest that social media enables youth to bypass traditional gatekeepers, create impactful narratives, and build global solidarity. However, it also highlights challenges like performative activism and misinformation. The study concludes that while social media is not without its limitations, it remains a powerful catalyst for youth-led social transformation.