The Role of Social Media inShaping Political Engagement of Young VotersIn Selangor During The 15th Malaysia General Election Campaigns

Abstract

This study examines the significant influence of social media on youth political engagement during the 15th Malaysian General Election, held on November 19, 2022. This election was notable for its unprecedented youth voter participation and a highly digitized campaign, particularly driven by a recent reduction in the voting age to 18 years old. This research investigates how digital interactions shaped electoral outcomes among Malaysian youth aged 18 to 33 in Selangor. A structured questionnaire was administered to 408 respondents via purposive sampling from December 2022 to February 2023, gathering data on social media usage and political perceptions. The study found that social media played a significant role in shaping political engagement among young voters in Selangor during GE15. TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter emerged as the most influential platforms, mainly due to their fast, visual, and interactive content formats. Young voters relied heavily on these platforms to obtain political information, evaluate party narratives, and follow campaign updates. Engagement was driven by factors such as peer influence, perceived credibility of information, and personal political interest. However, high levels of online exposure did not always translate into active participation, as some users remained skeptical about the accuracy of the content. Political parties that utilized short videos, influencer collaborations, and consistent messaging were more successful in capturing the attention of young people. Overall, social media enhanced political awareness but had varied effects on actual political participation.