The impact of short-form video platforms on youth political engagement and news literacy in urban centers.

Project Abstract

This study investigates how short-form video platforms influence political engagement and news literacy among urban youths, examining how content formats, algorithmic recommendations, and peer dynamics shape political information processing, beliefs, and civic participation. Employing a mixed-methods design, the research combines a large-scale survey (n ? 1,200) of urban residents aged 18–24 with in-depth interviews (n ? 40) and a content analysis of popular short-form videos on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts over a six-month period. The survey assesses variables including frequency and duration of platform use, trust in information sources, perceived political efficacy, participation in political activities (online and offline), and indicators of news literacy such as source evaluation, claim verification, and bias awareness. The qualitative component explores youths’ cognitive and affective responses to bite-sized political content, including how they interpret sensational cues, corroborate information, and navigate exposure to misinformation or propaganda. The content analysis systematically codes video narratives, engagement cues, framing techniques, and source attribution to map how political topics are constructed and disseminated, and to identify patterns in misinformation risk and corrective information. Preliminary findings suggest that frequent engagement with short-form videos correlates with increased awareness of political issues and willingness to participate in civic activities, particularly when content integrates clear calls to action and trusted peer influencers. However, the study also reveals challenges to news literacy rapid information turnover, shallow vetting practices, and algorithmic amplification of emotionally provocative content can foster polarized attitudes, as well as exposure to questionable sources. The research identifies differential effects across gender, education level, and digital literacies, with higher media literacy correlating with more discerning consumption and more cautious engagement. The analysis shows that micro-celebrity dynamics and peer social proof significantly amplify political messaging, sometimes bypassing traditional gatekeepers and institutional cues, thereby altering the perceived legitimacy of political actors and issues. Theoretical framing integrates uses and gratifications, agenda-setting, and information processing theories with media literacy frameworks to explain how short-form formats modulate attention, memory, and motivation for political action. Policy and practice implications emphasize the need for media literacy interventions tailored to short-video ecosystems, platform design changes to promote credible information, and education programs that enhance critical evaluation skills without dampening constructive civic engagement. The study contributes to understanding the evolving landscape of youth political communication in urban contexts, offering nuanced insights into how platform affordances shape engagement trajectories, information credibility assessments, and the development of news literacy competencies in a fast-paced digital environment.

Project Overview

What This Project Is About

---

A plain-language overview of how short-form video platforms (like TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts) influence how young people think about politics, engage with political content, and judge the reliability of news in urban settings. The project looks at what these platforms do to attention, discussion, and trust.

---

---

The Problem It Addresses

---

Many youths rely on short videos for news and opinions, but the fast, entertaining format can blur facts, spread misinformation, or reduce deep political discussion. There is a gap in understanding how these platforms shape engagement and literacy in real urban communities.

---

---

Objectives of the Project

---

1. Identify how often urban youths use short-form videos for political information.
2. Assess whether these platforms improve or impair news literacy skills.
3. Explore relationships between platform use, political interest, and civic actions.
4. Provide practical recommendations for educators and platform designers to support informed engagement.

---

---

What You Will Do Step by Step

---

1) Review existing studies on media literacy and short-form video effects. 2) Design a simple survey and interview guide for urban youth. 3) Collect data from a sample group. 4) Analyze results for patterns in engagement and literacy. 5) Interpret findings and discuss implications for education and policy. 6) Write and present a concise report.

---

---

Expected Outcome

Clear insights into how short-form videos influence political engagement and news literacy among urban youths, and practical guidance for improving media education and platform design to promote reliable information and constructive civic participation.