New media and political activities among Malay youth in Selangor

Abstract

In Malaysia, the use of new media in the political sphere is increasing especially after the tenth General Election. In terms of age group, youths are the highest group using this new media. However, how do these youths use the new media for political purposes? Therefore, this article aims to analyse the use of new media for political activities among youth in Selangor. In particular, this article examines political activity through new media, the level of media consumption for political activity, and the relationship between demographic factors and the use of new media for political activity. Using the survey as a method of data collection, 200 respondents aged between 18-40 years were randomly selected in Selangor to answer the questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (Statistic Packages for Social Science) version 22.0. In general, the study has found that the respondents used online newspapers to obtain news and political information. Further analysis has found that the Malay youths in Selangor had the highest use of new media and there is a significant relationship between the use of new media and residential areas. This article describes the impact of the use of new media on political participation, in which youths are involved in political activities through new forms. This article also suggests that more research need to be done in the future on the role that new media plays in Malaysian politics as a whole.