In this presidential election, teenagers “will represent more than 40 million potential voters in 2024, nearly one-fifth of the American electorate” (Tufts University Civic Studies and Engagement) Information Research Center (CIRCLE)).
My third grade government class started with two questions. What is the first word or image that comes to mind when you hear the word “government”? And how would the country be different if everyone, regardless of age, could vote? question got me thinking about the influence of teen voters. We have the opportunity to have a wider range of experiences than ever before, but we are also exposed to echo chamber phenomena.
Echo chambers are created using click bait and algorithms that feed users similar content to what they have viewed in the past. Clickbait is the use of sensational or misleading headlines to attract attention and drive media traffic to news content by manipulating people’s fear, curiosity, excitement, or anger. However, the news itself is often misleading with the aim of promoting certain views or monetary policy. Within an echo chamber, you are only exposed to content that confirms what you already believe to be true. Echo chambers have historically led to teenagers growing up with the same ideology about the American government as their parents, whether in person or in the media.
When I asked them what words came to mind when they heard the word government, everyone in my class gave similar answers and tended to align with their parents’ liberal democratic views. This was born out of social echo chambers in Sonoma and Marin counties. If we are so influenced by our environment, should teenagers have the right to vote? Can teenagers really change the course of an election?
Although I truly believe that we are influenced by our parents’ political ideology, today’s teens have broader access to a community of new ideas and identities, allowing them to develop views and opinions independent of their parents. I am able to do so. Schools, especially universities, but also the broader community can shape teens’ political beliefs.
According to CIRCLE, this generation of teenagers is the most diverse in American history. The League of Women Voters (LWV) states that “young voters’ diversity across the intersections of race, gender, class, sexuality, and other identities encourages them to speak out on a wide range of representative issues.” Teenagers make up nearly one-fifth of the American voting population, so it’s critical that they are encouraged to vote. After all, we are the voice of this country’s future and present, so it’s important that our feelings are reflected in our voting base. This sense of shock is reflected in the following words Credo High School senior Sophia Dimitrakopoulos told me: No matter who wins, there is no doubt that the direction of this country will change dramatically. It’s scary, but I’m happy to be able to participate. ”
But not all young voters have Sophia’s conviction and sense of responsibility. In recent years, many teens’ trust in the democratic process has waned. When you constantly hear news of fake elections, it’s hard to believe that your vote has any impact. In fact, teen voting could change the course of policy on gun reform, abortion justice, the economy, and more. So how do we combat social media echo chambers and democratic disillusionment? Remind yourself and others to cross-check political statistics and statements across multiple reliable sources. please. Instagram has some tempting clickbait, but remember to check with reliable sources before trusting anything on social media. Reading a variety of trusted news sources helps foster civil discussion and an environment where we can learn from different viewpoints. To build the faith and morale of teen voters, especially in marginalized communities whose voices have been historically and systemically suppressed, visit the link attached to this article and learn from new ideas and ideas from all generations. I encourage you to remember to remain open to the possibility of learning.
