Examining the Relationship Between Factors Influencing Political Information Seeking-Behaviour through Social Media among Youths in Malaysia

Abstract

The dynamic characteristics of social media provide a vast space for society to obtain useful information including political information. This advancement of information dissemination must be benefited by every layer of society including the youth to increase their participation in issues regarding national politics. This research explores the significant factors affecting political information-seeking behavior among youths in Malaysia. The approach of this research is the survey through a questionnaire. Using multi-stage sampling, 381 respondents from selected public universities in Malaysia were identified as a sample. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Efficacy, knowledge, and usefulness of social media affected political information-seeking behavior. Meanwhile, Policy satisfaction and motivation do not affect political information-seeking behavior Thus, political information seeking is seen as more influential towards political behavior with the existence of political information sharing among Malaysia's youth who use social media. The overall results of the study indicate the potential of social media as the main source and medium for Malaysian youths to obtain political information.