Date of Award

Spring 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

Department

Public Policy and Administration

Committee Chairperson

Kristen Crossney, PhD

Committee Member

Francis Atuahene, PhD

Committee Member

Chapman Rackaway, PhD

Abstract

During the past two decades, the rise of social media has a significantly impacted the lives many individuals in the United States. This is particularly true of young adults between the ages of 18-25 years old. The rapid growth of various social media platforms has given rise to the sharing and exchange of information and ideas in a way that has not previously existed.

This qualitative research study used survey questionnaires, as well as semi-structured interviews to explore both the positive and negative impact, as well as the role of social media when it comes to influencing political affiliation, behavior, and participation, in the state of Kansas among adults 18-25 years of age. This review also highlights which specific social media platforms are used the most and explores the role and influence of the information found, and political socialization from social media, family and peer influence from varying gender, educational, and economic backgrounds. The findings conclude that social media does have an influential role on young adults ages 18-25 who reside in the state of Kansas when it comes to finding political information & the exchange of ideas, as well as their political affiliation, behavior, and voting choices. This study will add to the body of knowledge by providing a specific look into a group of young adults in Kansas and how their personal experience with politics and social media is trending and aligning with studies that have been previously conducted on a broader scale with young adults nationally, throughout the United States.

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