the active involvement of citizens in the political process, such as voting in elections, engaging in debates, or joining political groups

websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking

How can social media be used to increase political participation?

Citizenship

Pupils consider what a digital citizen is and how the digital world can be used to increase political engagement, examining cases of how digital democracy has worked across the globe.

Can digital democracy increase political participation?

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

platforms people use to share messages and ideas online

taking part in activities that influence how a country is run

using online tags to promote or support a cause

when some people can't access or use digital technology easily

Match the term to its correct definition.

It allows quick sharing of news and events.

Which of these is a way social media can help improve political participation?

The {{}} movement became well known after the death of George Floyd in 2020.

Social media makes all political issues simple.

Misinformation and echo chambers affect understanding.

It makes politics disappear from the public sphere.

What is one limitation of using social media for political engagement?

In 2018, Cambridge {{}} collected personal data from Facebook users without their full consent.

Everyone who sees a post goes on to vote.

Some users only ‘like’ posts without taking real action.

People stop using social media all together.

Which of the following is a sign that social media doesn’t always lead to real political participation?

using technology to support democratic processes

the chamber in the Houses of Parliament where laws are made

an elected person who represents people in the UK Parliament

Match the term to the correct definition.

It makes people less interested in politics.

It helps spread political messages and organise campaigns.

It stops people from talking about politics.

What is one way digital media can help increase political engagement?

An MP is someone who has been {{}} to represent people in the House of Commons.

Only the Prime Minister was allowed to vote.

MPs were allowed to vote remotely using online systems.

How did the height of the Covid-19 pandemic change the way MPs voted?

because it may increase participation and flexibility

Why do some people think MPs should be allowed to vote remotely in the future?

Some people may be left out if they don't have internet access.

Everyone understands how to use the technology.

Which of the following is a possible downside of digital political participation?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz