Section Article

Youth Activism and the Digital Age: The Impact of Viral Trends on Political Engagement
Author(s): Nahim Chowdhary

Abstract
The rise of digital media has transformed the landscape of youth activism allowing for unprecedented levels of political engagement through viral trends social media campaigns and online advocacy movements. In the digital age platforms such as Twitter Instagram and TikTok serve as catalysts for mobilizing youth-driven political action amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard. This research explores how viral trends influence political engagement among young people examining both the opportunities and challenges of digital activism. By analyzing case studies of successful online movements conducting interviews with youth activists and reviewing existing literature this study highlights the ways in which digital platforms facilitate awareness advocacy and real-world political participation. The findings indicate that while social media provides an accessible and powerful tool for political expression it also raises concerns regarding misinformation performative activism and the short-lived nature of viral trends. Additionally this research underscores the impact of digital activism on traditional political structures questioning whether online engagement translates into tangible policy changes and sustained political involvement. Ultimately this study calls for a deeper understanding of how young people navigate digital activism emphasizing the importance of media literacy critical engagement and the integration of online activism with offline political participation.