,
Termiz Branch of the Tashkent Medical Academy Uzbekistan
,
Uzbekistan State World Languages University Uzbekistan
,
Karakalpak State University , Nukus , Uzbekistan
,
Termez University of Economics and Service Uzbekistan
,
Mamun University Uzbekistan
,
Termez State University , Termez , Uzbekistan
,
Termez State University , Termez , Uzbekistan
Gulistan State University , Guliston , Uzbekistan
The study examines the revolutionary concept of social media in determining the political environment of the youth (ages 18-35) in emerging economies, whereby many traditional democratic institutions are typically challenged by structural and transparency factors. By the beginning of 2025, more than 62 % of the world population will be linked through social media, and the fastest growth rates will be found in the Global South. This study deals with the involvement as digital connectivity are at an all-time high; its transformation to institutionalized political action is still intermittent. The study involves a mixed-methods methodology (quantitative analysis of survey data of 1,500 youths in three most representative emerging markets, e.g., India, Kenya, and Brazil) and a qualitative thematic analysis of recent digital movements, including the 2024 Gen Z uprisings in Kenya and Bangladesh. The regression analysis was used to figure out the correlation between the duration of exposure to social media and political efficacy. The statistical findings show that there is a high positive correlation between exposure to political content on such platforms as Instagram, as well as WhatsApp, and active political participation (r = 0.52). Youths spending over three hours a day on social media in urban centers had a higher probability of offline civic involvement by 35% than in rural areas, which is a continuing digital divide. Nevertheless, the research has also found a considerable number of threats: more or less half of the respondents admitted that they have faced frequent misinformation, which is associated with the loss of confidence in formal elections. The study reaches the conclusion that, whereas social media may be a very potent stimulus to decentralized, leaderless mobilization, which effectively bypasses any conventional gatekeepers, it does not necessarily spell long-term democracy. The research suggests that policymakers should focus on digital media literacy and inclusive digital infrastructures in order to transform civic engagement into sustainable democratic participation.
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