Ignorance and politics are a dangerous combination. It is true that people are free to use social media as they see fit, whether that is posting about their personal lives, opinions, or perspectives. That said, individuals with a large platform and following base have a responsibility to consider the impact their words and posts will have on their viewers.
Students will be involved in the future of the government no matter what; whether they will be paying taxes, voting, or leading the country. Specifically for creating and watching political posts, a fundamental knowledge of how government functions is vital to promote opinions that are rational and influential.
Though it is not a requirement in all states, a government or civics class is a graduation requirement for all public high school students in California. These classes are meant to help teens who will leave high school and become members of society, each with the power to create change through their own vote. People often say that they “don’t want to be political” these days, but politics is a part of the world whether we want to talk about it or not.
These classes also teach a basic understanding of the functions of a government and how people participate in the democratic process. Teaching students to approach politics with open minds and a willingness to stay informed.
Thankfully, there are government teachers that are determined to watch the news and read fact checked books or articles. Doing so allows students to educate themselves while cultivating a genuine interest in politics.
Without political knowledge, the average person that is typically uneducated about very specific topics within economics and government begin to draw conclusions, oftentimes incorrectly about very serious topics. Examples of this include discourse about tariffs, immigration, the Federal Reserve, and so much more.
Again, people are free to use their own personal social media platforms to talk about topics in the way they see fit. That doesn’t change the fact that those with a larger following base should objectively take it upon themselves to be educated about the topics that they are influencing other people to buy into.
There are plenty of influencers that choose to stay away from topics of politics, in hopes of avoiding misinforming people and sparking controversy. Often those people get backlash for not taking a political stance. It’s important though to consider that they may choose to stay neutral or not talk about a specific topic because they simply don’t know enough about it to take a side.
Without political knowledge current events become shocking headlines and overlooked issues. For example, a student or influencer on TikTok might claim, without evidence, that they know tariffs will certainly improve the lives of Americans. However, these same people may not know the true impact that tariffs might have on American society.
Every student, especially those reaching a voting age, has an incentive to be politically educated. There are those that choose not to learn the inner workings of their government even though they will one day be required to pay taxes, fulfill their civic duties, and protect their civil rights. “It’s most important for younger generations to educate themselves politically in order for America’s future not to suffer at the hands of ignorance,” senior Maryam Dabo-Roy said.
Learning about government provides a perspective that will matter in the bigger picture. When a person knows about various types of governments that exist throughout the world, it allows them to draw conclusions of expectations they have and want for the government they are a part of. This in turn helps them see that they have a voice and power to effect change through their votes as an adult member of society. That is their civic duty.
