Integrating new media in ideological and political education: a pathway to enhanced student engagement and political awareness

New media plays a significant role in enhancing Ideological and Political Education (IPE) among college students, fostering greater civic involvement and political awareness. By integrating technology into education, IPE institutions encourage students to become more informed and responsible citizens. This study investigates the influence of new media on students' engagement, learning participation, and critical thinking within digital environments. Using a purposive sampling technique, data were collected from 455 college students of diverse genders and backgrounds through a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings reveal that exposure to multiple forms of new media enhances students' critical thinking about political issues and strengthens their understanding of political ideologies. Moreover, new media was found to significantly motivate civic engagement and participation in political discourse. The results underscore the transformative potential of digital platforms in promoting active learning and political awareness within IPE. This study contributes valuable insights into how educational practices can leverage new media to foster critical thinking and civic responsibility, offering a foundation for future research in political education.