How can social media be used to increase political participation?
I can critically assess the use of social media to increase political participation.
- Year 9
How can social media be used to increase political participation?
I can critically assess the use of social media to increase political participation.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Social media increases political participation by enabling sharing, organising and raising awareness.
- The Black Lives Matter movement is an example of how social media can influence public debate and political action.
- Social media boosts political participation but its reliability is limited by issues e.g. misinformation & polarisation.
- Data misuse scandals show risks to privacy and trust, raising questions about social media’s reliability.
Keywords
Political participation - the active involvement of citizens in the political process, such as voting in elections, engaging in debates, or joining political groups
Social media - websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking
Common misconception
Social media automatically leads to increased political participation because it reaches so many people.
Social media can engage many, but it doesn’t ensure political participation. Misinformation, digital divides, echo chambers, and apathy can hinder impact. Success depends on content quality, usage, and users’ critical thinking skills.
Equipment
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
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the term to the correct definition.
Q2.What is one way digital media can help increase political engagement?
Q3.An MP is someone who has been to represent people in the House of Commons.
Q4.How did the height of the Covid-19 pandemic change the way MPs voted?
Q5.Why do some people think MPs should be allowed to vote remotely in the future?
Q6.Which of the following is a possible downside of digital political participation?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the term to its correct definition.
