Social media, socialization and discursive politics.

The article examines social media activism among Ghanaian youth, focusing on its role in promoting freedom of expression, participation in elections, socialization, and job-seeking, as well as the devices used to access the internet. Based on a survey of 9,024 youth aged 15–39 across Ghana's ten geopolitical regions, the study finds that smartphones are the predominant device for internet access, and social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook are widely used for socialization and electoral participation. While nearly 87% of respondents view social media as a platform for free expression, only a minority actively engage in political discussions online, though many use social media to seek election-related information and work opportunities. The findings highlight a nuanced impact of social media on youth political engagement, suggesting that despite its mobilizing potential, social media has yet to fully translate into active discursive politics among Ghanaian youth.