| This study focused on the way in which students engage with political and social issues through their use of social media. The study used a mixed methods design as emblematic of the pragmatic approach to conducting research. The design consisted of a survey followed by a series of focus groups, with questions for the focus groups influenced by the results of the survey. The results from the research suggested that students do not generally engage with political and social issues on social media, and that, in some instances, students view such engagement negatively. Using a framework of critical theory, including critical global perspectives, critical pedagogy, and critical theory of technology, the results indicated the need for educational approaches that encourage students to value the political and social possibilities of social media, which are, as yet, unrealized by conventional use. |
