Today, in the welcoming atmosphere of the reading room at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Sarajevo, we gathered to hear from experts in psychology, sociology, and political science. The focus was on understanding the factors that influence how young people form political opinions.
In 2024, the Institute for Youth Development KULT conducted a study on the political literacy of young people, yielding some fascinating insights showing that young people’s political beliefs are primarily shaped by their parents.
Psychologist Senka Čimpo provided her perspective on this finding, explaining that the political views of young people are deeply influenced by whether they were raised in a household that encourages open conversations and critical thinking or a home where politics is avoided.
She reminded us of the fact that political views are often not discussed openly in our communities, nor is politics perceived as a pleasant or productive topic. This is why young people tend to shy away from political discussions, especially in adolescence. It is often only later, as they solidify their personal values, that they begin to shape their own political views.
Čimpo also highlighted the fact that as young people mature, they tend to distance themselves from their parents’ influence, which allows them to form their own beliefs. This process can sometimes involve rejecting the values instilled in them during childhood, often as a response to dissatisfaction with the current political system.
Professor Samir Forić discussed how the political culture in BiH significantly impacts young people’s political attitudes. He noted that many young people feel powerless to influence change, which results in a passive form of political participation. Instead of actively engaging, they accept decisions made by others. He added that young people often perceive themselves as passive observers in political processes rather than active participants, which contributes to growing apathy. Forić also pointed out that while political parties have youth winds, they often lack real decision-making power, leaving their roles largely symbolic. He further warned of the growing influence of populism, which shapes political attitudes more through emotional appeal and sensationalist media than through rational analysis of political issues.
Professor Amer Osmić spoke about the controlling nature of society and its effect on young people’s independence. He argued that parents tend to control not only their children’s behavior but also their opinions and worldview. Osmić emphasized that the political and social environment—from family to education, media, and social networks—plays a crucial role in shaping young people’s attitudes. He stressed that media, civic, and political literacy are essential for fostering independent thinking.
Aziz Đipa, from the Institute for Youth Development KULT, explained that many young people rely on social media for quick, bite-sized information, which often leads them to follow popular narratives rather than critically engaging with political topics. He explained that, instead of seeking in-depth information, young people frequently turn to influencers for political commentary, which can be oversimplified or misleading. This, he pointed out, results in political views shaped more by emotions and viral trends than by an understanding of political processes. Đipa emphasized the challenge of distinguishing factual information from misinformation and highlighted the importance of using digital media to improve political literacy rather than constrain it.
At the end of the discussion, the panelists agreed on the urgent need to improve the political literacy of young people. They stressed the importance of fostering critical thinking and helping young people understand how politics directly impacts their daily lives.
The experts concluded that young people should question the narratives they encounter in the media and society. There is a definite need for more political education in schools and universities to help young people understand the political system and decision-making mechanisms. It is equally important to ensure that young people can participate in political processes.
Political parties and institutions need to create an environment in which young people will have a real influence, not just a symbolic role. Young people, especially those pushing for change, often act outside of traditional political parties through activism and initiatives. This activism must be supported and integrated into broader political processes.
The meeting ended with the message that young people have the power to shape the future. However, to do so, they must recognize their role and the opportunities available to them within the political system. Politics affects everyone, and we all have to get involved!
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