Youth Officials’ Use of New Media For Political Participation During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Case of Sangguniang Kabataan Members in Laurel, Batangas

Abstract

This study analyzed how members of the Sangguniang Kabataan in the Municipality of Laurel, Batangas use new media for political participation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study employed a descriptive research design using self-administered survey questionnaires from April 23, 2022 to May 22, 2022. The respondents included 136 respondents from 21 barangays in the municipality of Laurel, Batangas.

Contrary to findings from previous studies showing the political apathy and disengagement among the youth, the youth council members demonstrated a strong digital inclusion and high political interest, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. They primarily used Messenger, TikTok, and Facebook for at least three hours a day and incidentally encountered political information that helped to increase their interest in and participation in political activities online. These included reposting or sharing political events and updates, organizing online fundraising campaigns, joining political events or meetings, and attending political-related webinars.

Hence, although the youth council members' primary motivation in using the new media was self-expression and social interaction rather than getting political news and information, they still participated in political activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, showing that the younger generation are politically conscious and engaged in their communities.