Digital Technologies and the Political Participation of Urban Youth: a global review

Imogen Hamilton-Jones, Philipp Rode, and Andrés Lombana Bermúdez.

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Summary

The document explores how digital tools are changing the political participation of young people in urban settings around the world. It concludes that digital and in-person engagement are closely interconnected in cities. The document classifies the technologies used by youth into three categories: youth social networks, community co-production tools, and government e-participation initiatives. It analyzes the levels of engagement, which include organization, contribution, and follow-up. Additionally, the text highlights risks such as algorithmic bubbles and state repression. It identifies gaps in current research, including an excessive focus on social media, a lack of consideration for the physical urban environment, and a significant geographic imbalance that overlooks the Global South.

Authors

Imogen Hamilton-Jones, Philipp Rode, and Andrés Lombana Bermúdez.

Institution/Organization

LSE Cities, part of the London School of Economics, is funded by the NextGenC project's Botnar Foundation.

Keywords

Political participation, urban youth, digital technologies, e-participation, cities, digital divide, Global South.

Publication Date

March 20, 2024

Document Type

Summary

Suggested Citation

Hamilton-Jones, I., Rode, P., & Lombana Bermudez, A. (2024). Digital Technologies and the Political Participation of Urban Youth: a global review. NextGenC Working Papers. LSE Cities, London School of Economics.

Web Link

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ixb8ftq3ny0tl6vufwys6/3-Hamilton-Jones-et-al-2024-Digital-Technologies-and-Urban-Youth-Participation.pdf?rlkey=d3msrvcw0vabt4vvoks7dgvyj&st=x8r7lw9b&dl=0