Shutting down social media, shutting out the youth?

Abstract

Young people across Africa use social media to participate in politics, while their governments implement strategies to limit online political mobilization. However, young citizens whose government shut down social media use social media to get the news more. This phenomenon is even stronger for older citizens. This is important, as new African users join an online environment marred by state control. Digital literacy will ensure that citizens can leverage social media for politics.