Political communication via electronic social networks (Facebook) and its impact on youth electoral participation in Algeria

This research paper aims to understand the political communication process via electronic social networks in general, and Facebook in particular, and its impact on electoral participation. The extensive and widespread use of social media has allowed election candidates to articulate their ideas, principles, and goals by promoting their election campaigns via Facebook. This has significantly impacted the target audience and, consequently, the level of electoral participation among youth. The importance of employing political communication to promote positive political participation is highlighted, particularly in the electoral process, which typically witnesses intense competition among candidates to win seats. Thus, candidates are able to professionally use social media tools to promote their electoral platform and reach the largest possible segment of voters.