Local governments should also put more effort into engaging with young people online. "Involvement in local government leads to federal government," said boyd. "It's rarely the opposite direction. When everyone is focused on a local election, you often see people engaging physically. For instance, asking them to show up and clean up the streets is something you can do easily. Government leaders can show up and talk to them there."
She cautioned that government officials talking to young people should be cautious about trying to use lingo or be hip. "It just makes you look lame. Be straightforward and say, 'I'm going to cover the issues that you care about, here are some different ways to contact me.' This is about building cross-generational trust."