Analyzing the role of social media in shaping Tanzanian youth political engagement beyond elections: a cross-platform study

This study explores the influence of social media on political participation among Tanzanian youth beyond election periods, employing a concurrent mixed-methods approach with a qualitative emphasis. Data were gathered through focus group discussions and surveys, engaging 372 participants across two Tanzanian universities. Using the “Youth Inn” theory, which highlights youth involvement in democratic practices through social media, the study examines how online engagement shapes political behaviors. The findings indicate that social media serves as a crucial communication tool, enabling youth to engage in civic life by commenting, sharing, and discussing public issues. Direct political participation is constrained, with many young people avoiding active engagement due to concerns about surveillance and harassment. This study identifies two distinct participant types: ‘monitorial citizens,’ who passively follow political updates, and ‘critical citizens,’ who engage in political observation without direct participation. Some youths choose to engage anonymously to protect their identities. The study partially supports the differential gains model, suggesting social media use does not uniformly enhance political involvement. This research enriches the discourse on social media and youth engagement, emphasizing the need for studies in non-election periods. Findings underscore the evolving nature of political engagement, highlighting forms of youth participation in Tanzania’s political landscape.