Sociopolitical development (SPD) is a protective and promotive factor for racial- and gender-marginalized youth. More than ever, social media and other information communication technologies (ICT) serve as a context for youth SPD. However, the relationship between social media and youth SPD is poorly understood. This study investigates the interaction between social media and the sociopolitical identity development of racial- and gender-marginalized youth. This study is a secondary analysis of data collected as part of a youth participatory action research study (N = 11) with adolescent organizers in Washington State. Data sources included photo-elicitation, interviews, recorded unstructured dialog, written reflection, and surveys. The authors used a theoretical thematic analytic approach guided by activity system theory. Three fundamental contradictions were highlighted, and we explored how youth made meaning and navigated these contradictions: (1) fostering collective identity versus reinforcing individualistic myths about empowerment, (2) expanding political values/ideologies through online engagement versus gatekeeping and toxic debate culture limiting exploration, (3) exploring and expressing marginalized identities versus reducing, suppressing, and masking marginalized identities. The activity system analysis helps us identify key factors (material, social, and behavioral) that provide insight into the complex, multi-directional relationship between social media and youth SPD.
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