Meme Culture and Political Communication: A Study of Youth Engagement In Indian Social Media
Manvi Sharma
Paper Contents
Abstract
In the contemporary digital landscape, meme culture has emerged as a dominant form of expression, particularly among youth on social media platforms. Memes not only entertain but also communicate opinions, critiques, and ideologies, making them a significant part of modern political communication. This research examines the role of meme culture in shaping political understanding and engagement among Indian youth. The study analyzes how political memes influence perceptions, simplify complex political issues, and contribute to online political participation.Using a descriptive research design supported by a structured questionnaire administered to 100 respondents aged 1825, the study investigates patterns of meme consumption, impact on political awareness, and youth participation in political discussions. The findings reveal that political memes act as accessible and relatable sources of political information, often influencing opinions and encouraging conversations. However, the study also identifies concerns related to misinformation, biased portrayals, and superficial political understanding.The research concludes that while memes have become an influential tool for youth-driven political communication in India, their impact is dualenhancing engagement while posing challenges to accurate political discourse. The study highlights the need for stronger digital literacy and responsible meme-based communication.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Manvi Sharma. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.