Issue 2 - Youth, Digital Platforms, and Political Engagement in Kazakhstan

Abstract

This report examines how young people in Kazakhstan participate in national politics and decision-making processes through media platforms and whether these platforms help overcome structural barriers to engagement. The paper combines analysis of secondary literature and eight semi-structured interviews with young people from different genders and regions. The findings revealed the ambivalent role of digital media. On the one hand, social media like Instagram, Tik Tok, Telegram, and Threads are the main source of information, including politics related information, for young people. They help to make social issues visible to institutions, connect like-minded individuals, spread information, and educate people. However, political awareness does not automatically translate into political action. Across the interviews, many people reported that political participation is restricted by anxiety, trust fatigue, and political futility. Moreover, these barriers are not experienced equally, as several inequalities were identified. Respondents mentioned gender norms, language access, and legitimacy stratification, all of which affect the experience of political involvement for young people.