The UN data in 2012 showed that this age group is jobless, under-employed and being excluded from social and economic opportunities, particularly the marginalised groups. However, despite being a significant group, it was observed that their participation in the political process and civic engagement is still considerably low (UNDP, 2012), and various calls have been made to support and engage the youth in nation building.
With the advent of the internet, new forms of media exist that revolutionise the way we connect with each other, creating a new public sphere for public deliberation. The new media, in particular, has changed the landscape for citizens to exercise their rights and strengthened civil society movements in transforming public opinions. The media have the responsibility for ensuring that the youth are protected as well as informed both intellectually and emotionally so that they could become good world citizens of tomorrow (Nadchatram, 2007). It was the backdrop that a group of researchers from the Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business and other departments of Universiti Utara Malaysia looked at the role of social media tools, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Google+, etc., in facilitating youth participation in the nation’s social, economy and political agendas in Malaysia. In a multiracial country like Malaysia, social harmony is the bedrock of national progress and development. Nobaya et al. (2008) asserted that the new media could be an influential ICT medium in educating youths to become agents that promote social harmony. The study involved 1,029 randomly selected youth throughout the country who were asked a range of questions on media use, engagement in social, economic and political processes, the influence of socio-economic and geographical factors on the usage of media, and the perception of the role and impact of social media on youth engagement in social, economic, and political processes.
The study found that the participants played an observer or follower role more when using social media than a contributor or an entrepreneur. However, they seemed to be keen on searching for information or discussing issues in the media related to social problems, crime issues, career/employment, national education system, cost of living, and freedom of the press, suggesting that they were interested in taking part in the decision-making process. Indeed, they seemed to have strong views on the need for the government to consider their take on certain issues communicated in the new media before any decision in the development of the country is made.
Any correspondences about this study can be directed to Prof. Shahizan Hassan at shahizan@uum.edu.my.
Media Use and Youth Participation
References
Golombek, S. (2002). What works in youth participation: Case studies from around the world. International Youth Foundation.
Habermas, J. (1987). The theory of communicative action, Vol. 2: Lifeworld and system: A critique of functionalist reason. Boston: Beacon Press.
Nadchatram, I. (2007). Forum: Media’s role in shaping Malaysia’s youth. Kuala Lumpur: Unicef.
Nobaya, A., M. D. Salleh, H. Jamilah, O. Mariah, M. Dzuhailmi, D., & A. Nor Azliza Wanis (2008). Audien belia dan mesej perpaduan dalam kempen kemasyarakatan. Serdang: UPM Press.
UNDP (2012). UNDP Annual Report: The sustainable future we want.