The Role of YouTube and TikTok Platforms in Shaping Political Awareness Among Algerian Youth: A Survey-Based Analytical Study

In the context of accelerating digital transformation, interactive media platforms have emerged as influential agents in shaping political cognition and engagement among younger populations. This study investigates the role of YouTube and TikTok in influencing political awareness among Algerian youth, addressing a critical gap in platform-specific and context-sensitive research within emerging political environments. Drawing on a quantitative research design, data were collected from a sample of 500 respondents across four major Algerian regions using a structured questionnaire. The study employs statistical techniques, including descriptive analysis, independent samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA, to examine patterns of media reliance, levels of political awareness, and demographic variations. The findings reveal that YouTube functions as a dominant source of political information, while TikTok demonstrates a complementary yet less intensive role. Overall, political awareness among respondents is moderate, with significant variations observed across age, gender, and educational levels. The results further indicate that while interactive media enhances access to political information and awareness of civic rights, its influence on deeper forms of political engagement—such as electoral participation—remains limited. These outcomes suggest a dual effect of digital platforms, simultaneously facilitating informational exposure while reinforcing patterns of passive or superficial engagement. By integrating empirical evidence from a non-Western and semi-constrained political context, this study contributes to the literature on digital political socialization and media effects. It advances understanding of how platform-specific dynamics interact with demographic factors to shape political awareness in developing societies. The study also provides practical implications for policymakers and educators, emphasizing the need for targeted digital literacy interventions to promote critical engagement, mitigate misinformation risks, and foster informed citizenship in the digital age.