New Media's Influence in Shaping Political Awareness, Attitudes and Behaviours: The Media Literacy as a Moderator and Peer Influence as a Mediator

  • Wu LiXi
  • Fadzilah Abd Rahman

Abstract

This comparative study delves into the intricate dynamics of new media's influence on political awareness, attitudes, and behaviors among university students in China and Malaysia. It examines how various factors, including media literacy and peer influence, moderate and mediate the relationship between new media consumption habits and political education outcomes. Through a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from Chinese and Malaysian university students, exploring their engagement with different types of new media platforms, content delivery methods, frequency of exposure, perceived credibility of sources, and the influence of peer networks. The study identifies significant challenges and opportunities posed by the evolving digital landscape in both countries, addressing issues such as misinformation, echo chambers, commercialization, digital divide, and disparities in access. Findings reveal nuanced differences in the impact of new media on political education between the two cultural contexts, highlighting the importance of context-specific interventions and educational strategies.

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Published
2024-06-01
How to Cite
LIXI, Wu; ABD RAHMAN, Fadzilah. New Media's Influence in Shaping Political Awareness, Attitudes and Behaviours: The Media Literacy as a Moderator and Peer Influence as a Mediator. International Journal of Advanced Research in Education and Society, [S.l.], v. 6, n. 2, p. 266-279, june 2024. ISSN 2682-8138. Available at: <https://myjms.mohe.gov.my/index.php/ijares/article/view/26360>. Date accessed: 23 mar. 2025.
Section
English Section