THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AS A MEANS OF POLITIC EDUCATION FOR YOUNG FIRST-TIME VOTERS

Abstract

Social media opens up opportunities for voters, especially beginners, to access a variety of information about politics. First-time voters on many occasions are young people who have never voted or voted in an election. They are the main target for politicians and parties because of their huge numbers, high enthusiasm in participating in elections and curiosity related to this largest democratic party. This group also belongs to the generation with a high level of social media users. This exposure to social media has an impact on their political activity engagement. 

This research is titled The Role of Social Media as a Means of Political Education for Young Novice Voters. Aims to find out about the role of social media in shaping the voter behavior of young novice voters in Indonesia. In this study, the method used was qualitative with a case study approach. This research takes place in a natural situation and illustrates the interconnectedness of the social media process as a tool for political education among young first-time voters to then shape their political knowledge and attitudes. 

The results showed that the use of social media had an impact on increasing information knowledge and voting behavior. Some of the things behind it can be seen from the accessibility of social media in disseminating and the rapid turnover of information. Influence young voters who have not made a choice. This accessibility also allows for seamless interaction. Social media with more interesting content, language that is more familiar to young people provides a more desirable choice compared to learning through conventional media. Involvement in political discussions, voicing issues among them and the ease of strengthening support through voting and other cyber activities for candidates are easily accommodated on social media.