Kyla Currie | Opinion Editor
November 7, 2024
This year, teens are more involved and stressed about the U.S. election than ever. While young people have always cared about politics and social issues, this election feels different. It’s a time when many teens see the world changing rapidly and want their voices to be heard. With the rise of social media, young people are more connected to the news and political conversations than ever before, which has both its posits positives and
One reason teens are so engaged is that the issues at the center of this election—like climate change, racial equality, and economic opportunities—directly affect their futures. Teens today have grown up in a world facing challenges such as environmental disasters, racial protests, and economic uncertainty. Many of them feel that the outcome of this election will shape the world they inherit, making them want to get involved. For example, climate change has been a huge issue for Gen Z, with many teens worried about the planet’s future. Issues like these feel personal to them, and they believe their generation needs to act now.
Social media is a major factor in how teens engage with politics. Platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram make it easy for teens to follow the election, discuss issues, and connect with others who share their views. Social media gives teens a way to express themselves, spread information, and get involved in political activism. But it also means that they are constantly exposed to political news, opinions, and debates. All these social media are known for their algorithms which is dangerous because teens’ social media pages could completely be influenced by only one side and the heavy use of bias. San Clemente High School junior Ashton Nelson said, ¨If I watch a Trump video for a few seconds, my entire algorithm becomes one-sided.¨ This can be overwhelming, especially when they are constantly bombarded with both positive and negative content.
Many teens feel pressure to keep up with the latest political news, stay informed, and have strong opinions on controversial topics. While social media helps teens stay engaged, it can also be a source of stress. The constant flow of information, mixed with the harsh debates and arguments, can lead to feelings of anxiety. Many teens feel frustrated by the lack of common ground in political discussions. On social media, it’s easy to find people who agree with you, but it’s also common to come across people who disagree strongly or even bully others for their beliefs. This can make teens feel isolated or even scared to share their opinions.
On the other hand, social media has given teens the chance to organize and act on what they care about. Junior Lucy White said, ¨[she] loves being able to express herself and her beliefs through social media, and it helps [her] connect with other teens online.¨ From online petitions to social justice movements, teens are using these platforms to raise awareness, encourage voting, and call for change. This can be empowering, as it gives teens a sense of control and influence over the political process. Even though the digital space can be stressful, it also helps teens feel like they’re part of something bigger.
In the end, teens are more involved and stressed out about this election because they care deeply about their future and are constantly connected to political news through social media. While these platforms allow them to take action and share their voices, they also make it hard to escape the constant flow of information and debate. The combination of passion and pressure can be both exciting and overwhelming, but for many teens, it’s a sign of how much they care about the world they’re inheriting.
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