The Relationship between the Perception of Social Media Credibility and Political Engagement in Social Media among Generation Z

Abstract

The growing emphasis on the perception of social media credibility has been an important factor in transforming the way Generation Z natives engage on social media. Subsequently, many people now tend to put tremendous priority on whether the information they find on social media in the realm of politics is presumed as credible which then shapes the way they engage politically. The Generation Z despite being digital natives, are not immune to the repercussions in the process of evaluating the credibility of social media and the misuse of social media in political aspects. Therefore, this research aimed to study the credibility of political information on social media perceived by Generation Z, the political engagement in social media among Generation Z, and the relationship between the perception of social media credibility and political engagement in social media among Generation Z. Quantitative research was carried out on a sample of Generation Z young adults aged 15 to 25 years old residing within Klang Valley, Selangor. From the data analysis of 400 valid responses, it was found that the Generation Z cohort has a positive perception of social media credibility and they show high political engagement in social media. Additionally, the findings indicate that the perception of social media credibility has a significant relationship with political engagement in social media among Generation Z. This paper would be useful to future researchers in studies based on this communication area as well as social news site journalists who produce content and target Generation Z audience in particular.

Si̇yasi̇ Mani̇pülasyonun Si̇yasi̇ Bi̇gi̇ Salginina Dönüşme Ri̇ski̇: Z Kuşaği İçi̇n Önlemler

“…One crucial need for effectively addressing political influence is to enhance the political literacy of Generation Z, thereby empowering them to develop and articulate their own political perspectives. Alfred and Wong (2022) assert that the findings of their study indicate a notable level of trust in social media platforms with regards to political engagement. This perspective aligns with the notion that the youth population have the ability to independently develop political perspectives and exercise their freedom of expression.…”

“…Recent studies have examined the topics of Generation Z, social media relationships, social media manipulation, and cyber security using both conceptual and empirical approaches (Alfred and Wong, 2022;Bradshaw and Howard, 2018;Bradshaw et al, 2021;Lailiyah et al, 2020;Tandon et al, 2022). Nevertheless, it is often believed that these studies lack comprehensive data that encompasses the simultaneous examination of various topics at a micro-level.…”

“…The findings of the study indicated a favorable influence on the political behavior and attitudes of the survey participants belonging to Generation Z both prior to and subsequent to their engagement in the informative training. The study conducted byAlfred and Wong (2022) examined the perception and dependability of social media among Generation Z, as well as its association with political engagement. The research was carried out via quantitative methodologies, with the primary instrument for data collection being a survey.…”

Sosyal Medyada Si̇yasi̇ Mani̇pülasyon: Poli̇ti̇ka Öneri̇leri̇ Ve Potansi̇yel Tepki̇ler

“…The findings of the study revealed a favorable influence on the political behavior and attitudes of the respondents who were involved in the survey both prior to and subsequent to the instructive training. The study conducted by Alfred and Wong (2022) aimed to investigate the correlation between the perception and trust of Generation Z in social media platforms and their engagement in political activities. The study employed quantitative methodologies and utilized surveys as instruments for data gathering.…”

“…There is a prevailing notion that forthcoming investigations in these domains possess the capacity to center their attention on comparison analysis across various age cohorts, employing qualitative research methodologies that facilitate a comprehensive exploration of the occurrences. Alfred and Wong (2022), Bradshaw and Howard (2018), Bradshaw et al (2020), Lailiyah, Pradhana, andYuliyanto (2020), andTandon, Singh, andTripathi (2022) employed both conceptual and empirical approaches to investigate the interplay between Generation Z and social media, social media manipulation, and cybersecurity. Nevertheless, it is widely believed that these research exhibit a deficiency in comprehensive data richness that integrates these ideas.…”