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@article{193707,
        author = {Mohammed Azharudeen.M and Gayathri Narayanan.H and Vasantha Kumar.M and Dr. Rekha B Raveendran},
        title = {SOCIAL MEDIA USE AND POLITICAL ATTITUDE FORMATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF PSYCHOLOGICAL EVIDENCE},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {10},
        pages = {880-884},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=193707},
        abstract = {The rapid growth of social media has significantly transformed political communication, information dissemination, and public opinion formation. Digital platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, and TikTok provide users with unprecedented access to political content, enabling individuals to engage with political information, discuss social issues, and express ideological beliefs. As a result, social media has become a powerful tool influencing political attitudes and behaviors. This article presents a systematic review of psychological research examining the role of social media in shaping political attitude formation. The review synthesizes findings from empirical studies in political psychology, communication studies, and media research to explore the cognitive, emotional, and social mechanisms underlying digital political influence. Evidence suggests that social media influences political attitudes through processes such as selective exposure, social identity reinforcement, emotional engagement, algorithmic filtering, and peer-based persuasion. While social media can enhance political awareness and democratic participation, it may also intensify political polarization, create ideological echo chambers, and facilitate the spread of misinformation. Young adults and first-time voters appear particularly susceptible to these influences due to their high levels of online engagement. Overall, the psychological evidence indicates that social media does not simply change political attitudes directly; rather, it amplifies existing beliefs and group identities. The article concludes by discussing implications for democratic societies and suggesting directions for future research.},
        keywords = {Social media, political attitudes, political psychology, digital communication, political polarization, echo chambers, online engagement.},
        month = {March},
        }