Navigating Political News: Analysis of youth attitudes and verification practices

Abstract

In Malaysia, internet usage is rapidly growing, especially among young people who actively engage with new media platforms. However, the uncontrolled spread of information poses significant risks, especially in the realm of political news. This study conducts a descriptive analysis to explore how Malaysian youth perceive and manage political information in the digital landscape. By analysing responses from 190 students in a private university, this preliminary study examines their attitudes towards political news, their practices for verifying information, and their caution in sharing unverified content. The findings provide insights into the key factors influencing responsible information dissemination among youth.