Participación electoral estudiantil a través de las redes digitales en la Universidad Técnica de Ambato.

Abstract

The main objective of this research, entitled "Student Electoral Participation through Digital Networks at the Technical University of Ambato," is to determine how digital networks influence student electoral participation at the Technical University of Ambato. The influence of digital networks among young people is evident, as they are an easily accessible tool where students can immediately obtain information, share their ideas, and participate in political affairs. The research is methodologically based on two parameters: Initially, a bibliographic review of the proposed topic is conducted to establish a theoretical framework to support the main debates on communication, democracy, and politics in digital networks. The second parameter focuses on the development of an analysis matrix based on a qualitative "focus group" approach. The group consisted of 20 university students, most of whom were attending the political communication course. Ten were female and ten were male. The groups were divided into two groups based on gender. The purpose was to analyze whether there are differences in the use of social networks as a tool for political expression between men and women. The results obtained show that digital networks influence student electoral participation at the Technical University of Ambato. Students quickly obtain political information and learn about candidates and their proposals simply by watching their reels. Similarly, the networks mobilize young people to participate in electoral processes through comments, stories, or short videos. This has made virtual platforms their primary source of information in the political sphere. The importance of young people's participation in politics is fundamental because they contribute new ideas and also help make democracy more fair. Their participation brings innovation to old politics and generates collective change.