Sosyal Medya Kullanımının Politik Okuryazarlık Üzerindeki Etkisi: 31 Mart 2024 Yerel Seçimlerinde Genç Seçmenler Araştırması
The effects of social media use on political literacy: a survey of young voters in the March 31, 2024 local elections

Summary/Abstract: Political literacy is defined as the state of individuals possessing political knowledge and competence and is considered a fundamental skill for the functioning of democratic societies. Today, social media facilitates access to information by eliminating time and space constraints and enables the spread of political discussions among individuals. Social media, which has developed with internet technologies, not only offers its users the opportunity to access information but also encourages participation by creating a two-way interactive communication environment. Especially during election periods, social media has become an effective platform where political candidates can communicate directly with voters, shape public opinion, and gather political support. In this context, political actors are increasingly inclined to use social media strategically. The effects of social media in the political arena are not limited to campaign processes; they can also positively influence individuals' level of political interest, political knowledge, awareness, and motivation to participate in elections. This study aims to determine the effect of social media use on political literacy among young voters. A correlational survey model was adopted, and a quantitative research method was used in the study. Information was collected from 407 participants through face-to-face interviews and electronic surveys. The relationship between social media use and the overall and subdimensions of political literacy was determined using correlation analysis. Path analysis was used to calculate the impact of social media use on the sub-dimensions of political literacy. The findings revealed that social media not only affects the general level of political literacy among young voters but also significantly and positively influences the sub-dimensions of political literacy, such as knowledge, awareness, and participation. In conclusion, social media use is seen as an important tool for strengthening young people's democratic participation skills. The results of this research have a unique value in terms of revealing the effects of the digital age and new communication technologies on political processes and political participation and contributing to the literature.

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