How education and social media shaped the political interest and engagement in students.

Politics may not typically top the list of interests for teenagers, but a group of tenth graders from Lenoir County Early College High School proves otherwise. In a roundtable discussion, ten students from Dr. Travis Towne’s class, shared their thoughts on why young people engage—or fail to engage—in the political process. Their candid insights revealed a mix of influences shaping their awareness, from the classroom to social media, and even personal experiences.

The timing of this discussion couldn’t be more relevant. Between 2020 and 2024, youth voter turnout dropped significantly—from 55% to an estimated 42%, according to preliminary data. While disillusionment and shifting party allegiances might partly explain the decline, these students provided a more nuanced perspective. They underscored the importance of understanding what sparks political interest in the first place and what keeps it alive.

For many of these students, education served as the first spark.

“I wasn’t really into politics before, but in civics, Dr. T taught us about the government and to question it,” shared Destiny Hernandez Salaiss. “That exposure made me more curious and pushed me to learn more about how things work.”

Macy Schmidt echoed that sentiment, crediting her history classes and peer discussions.

“Learning about American history and seeing how politics evolved over time got me interested,” Schmidt said. “Some of my friends had political concerns, and I tried to research them to understand more.”

Yet education wasn’t the sole influence. Social media emerged as a significant driver of curiosity, often leading students to dig deeper into current events.

“When I’m scrolling through social media, I’ll probably see a meme or a joke about a recent world event,” explained Ranea Mohammed. “From there, I’ll be curious and search it up.”

This casual exposure to information is both empowering and challenging. For Hernandez Salaiss, platforms like TikTok and Instagram make world events feel accessible in a way traditional news outlets might not.

“Apart from what we’re given at school, I get my information mainly from TikTok or Instagram reels,” she said. “That’s where I get exposed to it.”

In the classroom, innovative teaching methods also play a role. Cassidy Hayes highlighted an exercise called the Daily Civic Literacy Challenge, where students explore historical and current events through vetted resources.

“That’s how I learn everything about the news,” Hayes noted.

Beyond learning, some students see politics as an opportunity to connect with others and navigate differing opinions.

“You may face people who have really vast opinions,” said Jameshia Norwood. “But you have to make sure you do your research and stay open to learning why they feel or think that way.”

For others, real-world examples of youth leadership provided inspiration. Lily Paulk reflected on a visit from Chris Suggs, a local city council member who made an impact at just 14 years old.

“It was inspiring to hear him talk about his experiences,” Paulk said. “It shows that even if we’re really young, we can still do something.”

This sense of empowerment was echoed throughout the discussion, even as students acknowledged barriers to political engagement.

“We need somebody to come to us and clarify for us, like political leaders, to talk directly to the youth because we’re so exposed to information through social media. said Hernandez Salaiss. “That exposure can be overwhelming, but it also means we’re curious and engaged.

Schmidt emphasized that young voices can’t be overlooked.

“Politicians and adults need to realize the power of the youth,” she said. “We’re getting more civically engaged, and once we’re all of voting age, it’ll have a huge impact.”

The roundtable discussion concluded on a hopeful note. As these students continue to explore, question, and learn, their growing awareness promises to shape the communities they care about.

As Paulk succinctly put it, “It just shows that even if we’re really young, we can still do something.”