ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the case of Colombian youth as social media users in the context of the 2018 Presidential elections. It investigates the relationship between social media and polarization through a user-centered analysis of the creation and reproduction of filter bubbles and echo chambers. The chapter describes how Colombian students participated in WhatsApp groups and chose the information they wanted to consume on social media in the context of the presidential election. It argues that Colombian students are aware of the biases that might affect information on social media, but voluntarily exercise their ability to select information and to choose the political discourses that best fit their own political views. The chapter discusses the notion of filter bubbles and highlights the role of users, especially among the youth. It outlines the political context of the 2018 presidential election in Colombia and the role of social media in the campaign.
