Influence of digitalization on political participation among young adults in contemporary Europe

<ns3:p>Background Digital Politics is considered one of the tremendous factors of improving political participation and encouraging civic duties among youth across Europe. This study examines how digitalization has transformed political participation among young adults in contemporary Europe. Method Through a meta-synthesis of 30 scholarly articles published between 2014 and 2025 on the Web of Science database and relevant sites, the study adopts a systematic qualitative meta-synthesis design to assess how digitalization influences political participation among young adults in contemporary Europe. Drawing on mobilization theory, it explores how digital technologies such as e-democracy, e-governance, and social media platforms have redefined youth political engagement, lowering barriers to participation and fostering new forms of civic activism. Results The results show that digitalization has expanded political arenas beyond traditional structures, creating accessible and decentralized spaces for expression, mobilization, and collective action. Movements such as Fridays for Future illustrate how online activism translates into transnational political engagement. However, the study also identifies significant challenges associated with digital politics. Persistent digital divides, disparities in technological literacy, and unequal access to infrastructure hinder equitable participation across Europe. Furthermore, cyber insecurity, misinformation, and slacktivism undermine the transformative potential of digital politics by fostering polarization and reducing the depth of civic commitment. Despite these challenges, digitalization remains a catalyst for participatory innovation, particularly when coupled with media literacy initiatives and inclusive digital governance frameworks. Conclusion The study concludes that a sustainable digital democracy requires cross-sectoral collaboration between governments, civil society, and educational institutions to promote digital equity, enhance accountability, and counter polarization. By integrating findings from across Europe, this research contributes to understanding how digital transformation simultaneously empowers and constrains democratic participation in the 21st century.</ns3:p>