OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES TOWARDS THE 2024 ELECTION: THE "ECHO CHAMBER" PHENOMENON AND THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE LEVELS OF POLITICAL LITERACY OF BEGINNER AND MILLENNIAL VOTER

Abstract

This research explores the opportunities and challenges faced in preparation for the 2024 General Election, with a focus on the "echo chamber" phenomenon and the influence of social media on the political literacy level of first-time and millennial voters. This study aims to understand the impact of a polarized social media environment on young voters' political perceptions, which may influence their political participation in upcoming elections. By applying qualitative and quantitative methodologies, this research analyzes social media content, interaction patterns, and the level of political literacy of first-time and millennial voters. The research results concluded that the "echo chamber" phenomenon on social media can strengthen existing political beliefs and views, limit access to diverse information, and reduce the willingness to hear different views. The impact is felt on the level of political literacy of young voters, who tend to obtain their political information through biased and limited sources. However, this research also found that first-time voters and millennials have great potential to increase their political literacy through an educational approach that combines social media, formal education and participatory activities in society. This research provides policy recommendations that include the role of media, education and political parties in combating the negative effects of "echo chambers" and increasing the political literacy of the younger generation.