An Assessment of the Impact of Instagram on Youth Political Efficacy in Zanzibar, A Case Study on Instagram in Urban West-Zanzibar.

Adam, Yussuf Nuhu (2025) An Assessment of the Impact of Instagram on Youth Political Efficacy in Zanzibar, A Case Study on Instagram in Urban West-Zanzibar. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

PDF - Submitted Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution No Derivatives. Download (263kB)

Abstract

This study assessed the Impact of Instagram on youth’s political efficacy in Urban West, Zanzibar, focusing on Instagram as a case study. The rapid growth of digital platforms has transformed political communication and engagement, especially among youth. This study employed a mixed-method approach quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, to examine how Instagram affects political awareness, engagement, and participation among youth. The research findings indicated that Instagram plays a significant role in political engagement, particularly among users aged 25–34. It enables access to political information (political debate, political discussion, political meeting, political analysis, political comments) etc), fosters civic discussions, and motivates youth to participate in political activities. However, the impact varies based on users’ demographics, education levels, and trust in political sources. Challenges such as misinformation, digital literacy gaps, and algorithm-driven content duration were also identified. The study concludes that Instagram is a valuable tool for enhancing political efficacy among youth in Zanzibar but recommends targeted interventions to promote digital literacy, regulate political content, and bridge digital divides to optimize political engagement. Key Words: Instagram, Political Efficacy, Youth, Zanzibar

Actions (login required)

View Item