Social Media Activism and Youth Political Participation in Pakistan: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

Youth in Pakistan increasingly rely on social media to express political opinions and mobilize civic engagement. Yet, whether social media activism translates into offline political participation remains contested, particularly within contexts marked by fluctuating democratic stability, censorship, and digital surveillance. This study examines the relationship between online political engagement and offline political participation among university students in Pakistan, using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach. A structured survey (n = 600) measured frequency of political content exposure, digital activism intensity, internal and external political efficacy, and offline activities such as demonstrations, voting intentions, and attendance at political events. Quantitative results were followed by 20 semi-structured interviews to illuminate the mechanisms linking digital engagement to real-world participation. Findings reveal that higher levels of social media activism significantly predict offline political engagement, but only when accompanied by strong political efficacy. Students who actively share political content, participate in hashtag campaigns, or follow political influencers are more likely to engage in protests, volunteer for political groups, or intend to vote in upcoming elections — particularly if they perceive their voice as impactful. However, fears of state monitoring, institutional pressures, and socio-familial restrictions moderate participation for many individuals. The study underscores the need for digital literacy, civic education, and safe online spaces to support youth-driven political processes in Pakistan.