Social Media and Youth Critical Consciousness: A Youth Participatory Action Research Study Examining Key Tensions and Contradictions

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Six
  In Roundtable Session: Youth Experiences, Tensions, and Contradictions in Precarious Times (Table 17)

Abstract

Critical consciousness (CC) is important for youth social, emotional and academic learning. Social media has profoundly transformed these learning spaces. However, the relationship between social media and CC is not well understood. Existing studies point to an ambivalent relationship, particularly for issues of social awareness and critical analysis. Learning more about the relationship between youth CC development and social media can help educators learn how to use social media as a tool for transformative education, while also mitigating some of the adverse effects. This Youth Participatory Action Research project with youth (ages 13-19) used photovoice to critically examine key tensions, conflicts and contradictions of social media and CC. Our insights are relevant to practice, social media policy & community organizing.

Author

• Angela L. Malorni, Rutgers University
  Presenting Author