Matt Taibbi at Media Channel.Org examines the impact of MTV's Rock the Vote, and concludes:

More than ever, the efforts of corporate-funded, youth-oriented media are part of the scenery in the televised road show of American presidential politics. But despite the increasing onslaught of advertising and celebrity events, young people are more than ever refusing to participate in the electoral process.

Matt is covering the Kerry Campaign for Rolling Stone. We really urge young people to particpate. Not only is political involvement fun, it offers an opportunity to have your voice heard, to make an impact (if not a difference) and it provides a sense of community spirit. It's also a great way to meet people. Complaining about the system via on-line forums and blogs is fine to a point, but it's no substitute for the real thing--getting your a** out there and doing something about it. As for exercising your right to vote, we have one piece of advice: Use it or lose it.