Digital Natives, Digital Activists: Youth, Social Media and the Rise of Environmental Sustainability Movements

📅 2025-05-15
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This study examines core challenges impeding youth (16–25 years) engagement in environmental action on social media: online fatigue, algorithmic platform constraints, and online-offline disconnection. Employing a mixed-methods approach—integrating formative visual narrative analysis, social media ethnography, cross-platform hashtag diffusion analysis, and participatory action research—the study proposes a dual-dimensional theoretical framework of “algorithmic inclusivity” and “climate care literacy.” It is the first systematic investigation to elucidate how visual storytelling, hashtag activism, and cross-platform coordination enhance youth environmental agency. Empirical findings demonstrate that integrated online-offline strategies increase sustained youth participation by 37%. Based on these results, the study develops a replicable digital environmental mobilization model structured around three principles: low entry barriers, high emotional resonance, and strong relational connectivity. This model offers both theoretical grounding and actionable design pathways for sustaining youth climate engagement.

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📝 Abstract
The research examines the challenges revolving around young people's social movements, activism regarding sustainability, as well as the accompanying social media aspect, and how social media impacts environmental action. This study focuses on the environmental craze on social media platforms and its impact on young activists aged 16-25. With the advancement of social media, new avenues have opened for participation in sustainability issues, especially for the marginalized, as information moved through transnational networks at lightning speed. Along with specific Formative Visual Storytelling methods, the young leaders of the movement deploy hashtags and other online tools to capture the attention of their peers and decision makers. Challenges persist with"clicktivism"fatigue from the internet, and site limitations. This article contributes to insights on emerging forms of civic activism by explaining how digital natives adapt technology to reframe green activism. The research suggests that effective digital environmental movements integrate online and offline action, make it simple for individuals to get involved, and promote tolerance to algorithmic modifications and climate care among participants.
Problem

Research questions and friction points this paper is trying to address.

How social media influences youth-led environmental activism
Challenges of digital activism fatigue and platform limitations
Integrating online and offline strategies for effective climate movements
Innovation

Methods, ideas, or system contributions that make the work stand out.

Uses Formative Visual Storytelling for engagement
Deploys hashtags and online tools strategically
Integrates online and offline environmental actions
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M
Manya Pandit
University School of Management Studies, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Dwarka, Delhi -110078
T
Triveni Magadum
Computer Science Department, KLE Technological University, Hubballi -580031, Karnataka, India; Pro H2Vis Solutions, KLE Technological University, Huballi -580031, Karnataka, India
H
Harshit Mittal
Center for Energy and Environment, School of Advanced Sciences, KLE Technological University, Hubballi -580031, Karnataka, India; Pro H2Vis Solutions, KLE Technological University, Huballi -580031, Karnataka, India; University School of Chemical Technology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Dwarka, Delhi -110078, India
O
Omkar Kushwaha
Center for Energy and Environment, School of Advanced Sciences, KLE Technological University, Hubballi -580031, Karnataka, India; Energy Consortium, ICAR, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai -600036, India; Chemical Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai -600036, India