Clout Culture - Youth Cultures in Changing Societes Conference
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YOUTH PERSPECTIVE ON GROUNDSWELL COMMUNICATION IN<br />
THE MODERN ONLINE ENVIRONMENT<br />
SIMONA ŠČEPKOVÁ, ANDRII KUSHNAREVYCH (UNIVERSITY OF SS. CYRIL AND<br />
METHODIUS IN TRNAVA, SLOVAKIA)<br />
Abstract<br />
This comprehensive article delves <strong>in</strong>to the rapidly evolv<strong>in</strong>g landscape of<br />
groundswell communication with<strong>in</strong> the onl<strong>in</strong>e environment, with a particular<br />
focus on the unique perspectives of today's youth. As digital platforms and<br />
social media ga<strong>in</strong> widespread adoption, young <strong>in</strong>dividuals are actively utiliz<strong>in</strong>g<br />
these onl<strong>in</strong>e spaces to express their op<strong>in</strong>ions, mobilize communities, and<br />
drive impactful change. By draw<strong>in</strong>g on external research, surveys, and case<br />
studies, this study provides an <strong>in</strong>-depth analysis of the motivations,<br />
challenges and impacts experienced by youth engaged <strong>in</strong> groundswell<br />
communication with<strong>in</strong> the digital realm. The f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs offer valuable <strong>in</strong>sights<br />
for marketers, educators, and practitioners, shedd<strong>in</strong>g light on the<br />
multifaceted dimensions of youth-led groundswell communication <strong>in</strong>itiatives.<br />
The article beg<strong>in</strong>s by establish<strong>in</strong>g the contextual framework of groundswell<br />
communication and its significance with<strong>in</strong> the onl<strong>in</strong>e environment.<br />
Recogniz<strong>in</strong>g the prom<strong>in</strong>ent role played by young voices <strong>in</strong> shap<strong>in</strong>g digital<br />
discourse, the research objectives focus on understand<strong>in</strong>g the unique<br />
perspective of youth regard<strong>in</strong>g groundswell communication. To achieve this, a<br />
literature and external research study is conducted, <strong>in</strong> order to capture the<br />
diverse experiences of youth participants. The subsequent sections delve <strong>in</strong>to<br />
the motivations that drive youth engagement <strong>in</strong> groundswell communication.<br />
The article explores the diverse drivers that <strong>in</strong>spire youth to actively<br />
contribute to onl<strong>in</strong>e conversations, highlight<strong>in</strong>g the pivotal role of community<br />
build<strong>in</strong>g and peer <strong>in</strong>fluence <strong>in</strong> foster<strong>in</strong>g a sense of belong<strong>in</strong>g with<strong>in</strong> the digital<br />
sphere. Moreover, the darker aspects of digital engagement, such as onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
harassment and cyberbully<strong>in</strong>g, are also mentioned, emphasiz<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
importance of cultivat<strong>in</strong>g safe and <strong>in</strong>clusive onl<strong>in</strong>e spaces.<br />
Draw<strong>in</strong>g from the comprehensive analysis, the article concludes by offer<strong>in</strong>g<br />
key recommendations for support<strong>in</strong>g and amplify<strong>in</strong>g youth voices <strong>in</strong> the<br />
digital landscape. It underscores the need for education and digital literacy<br />
programs, as well as the need to equip young <strong>in</strong>dividuals with critical onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
skills and ethical digital practices. Considerations for policy and regulation are<br />
discussed to ensure youth engagement is safeguarded while preserv<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
17<br />
WORLD CAFÉ DISCUSSION