Keywords
Social Media Activism; Policy Change; Social Movements; Digital Activism; Political Participation; Public Policy
Abstract
This study focuses on researching the relationship between social media movements and policy changes in the United States. Over the last decade, digital platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and X have become important tools to encourage political involvement. These platforms have led to an increase in public participation, movements to become more popular and to organize protests. Many current studies focus on the social and cultural aspects of online activism, but fewer examine wither these movements lead to the legislative change asked for.
This thesis relies on the question, "To what extent does social media activism contribute to policy change in the United States, and what factors explain why some movements achieve policy outcomes while others do not?" To research this, the paper focuses on three movements, Black Lives Matter, MeToo, and March for Our Lives while using a comparative case study approach. The analysis focuses on online involvement, framing strategies, emotional appeals, and political opportunity structures.
The results suggest that although online activism has increased awareness and participation for these movements throughout the country, policy changes happen depending on the political circumstances, institutional responses, and the timing. By focusing on institutional reform rather a societal and cultural effects, this study gives a clearer understanding of how social activism translates to real policy changes.
Thesis Completion Year
2026
Thesis Completion Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair
Knuckey, Jonathan
College
College of Sciences
Department
Political Science
Thesis Discipline
Comparative Politics
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Levy Korine, Michelle, "The Impact Of Social Media Movements On Policy Changes Made In The United States" (2026). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 587.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/587
Included in
Comparative Politics Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Public Law and Legal Theory Commons, Public Policy Commons, Social Media Commons, State and Local Government Law Commons
Accessibility Statement
This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.
Rights Statement
