| Abstract: | This mixed-methods study examined how social media exposure shapes political engagement and trust in institutions among youth in Goa, focusing on the mediating role of misinformation susceptibility and the moderating role of political efficacy. A structured survey was completed on college students aged 18–20 years (N = 200; 58% female; 42% male; Mage = 19.3 years), and qualitative reflections were collected from participants who consented to provide brief interview-style responses. The data was collected using adapted items from the Social Media Use Integration Scale (Jenkins-Guarnieri et al., 2013), Civic Engagement Scale (Doolittle & Faul, 2013), Institutional Trust Scale (Warren, 1999; adapted for the Indian context), Political Efficacy Scale (Niemi, Craig, & Mattei, 1991) and Fake News Susceptibility Scale (Pennycook & Rand, 2019). Results indicated that social media exposure was positively correlated with political engagement (r = .42, p < .001) and negatively correlated with institutional trust (r = −.28, p < .01). Regression analyses further revealed that social media exposure predicted greater engagement (β = .37, p < .001) but lower trust (β = −.21, p = .004). Misinformation susceptibility significantly mediated the social media–trust link (β = −.13, 95% CI [−.21, −.06]), while political efficacy moderated the social media–engagement relationship (interaction β = .18, p = .02). Qualitative reflections highlighted growing civic voice yet eroding institutional confidence. Findings underscore the need for media literacy and trust-building initiatives among youth. |
