Lecturer at UIN Jakarta: The Role of Gen Z as Early Voters in the 2024 Election
Rectorate Building, UIN News Online- In an increasingly digitalised political era, the role of Generation Z (Gen Z) as first-time voters is under the spotlight. Dr. Bintan Humaira, lecturer and head of the Journalism study programme at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, gives her views on the importance of a critical attitude and digital literacy for young voters who are new to elections.
In an interview on UIN Jakarta podcast, Tuesday (07/02/2024). According to Dr Bintan Humaira, M.Si., the first step that should be taken by Gen Z as first-time voters is to seek information critically. Generation Z is the most skilled generation in the use of digital technology, they must be able to distinguish valid information from hoaxes that can influence their thinking. Sensitivity to information circulating on social media and the ability to identify hoaxes are key in making the right political decisions.
"Young people who think critically about the information circulating, respect differences in views and choices, and fight for diversity as an asset in a society in a digital era filled with information, critical attitudes and digital literacy are key for the younger generation to become agents of change in the evolving political dynamics," he said.
How to recognise fake news
In a world filled with information, the ability to think critically and have good digital literacy is key for Generation Z (GenZ) to become positive agents of change in the ever-changing and evolving political world.
Dr. Bintan Humaira, M. Si. provided tips to recognise hoax news in more depth. Firstly, she highlighted that hoax news often appears due to gaps in people's knowledge, which are then filled with unverified information. Secondly, he emphasised that digital algorithms tend to display content that matches users' preferences, so it is important for users to be aware of this in an effort to identify fake news. Lastly, Dr Bintan emphasised that fake news can often be identified through gaps or inconsistencies in the information presented. By understanding and paying attention to these things, digital users can be more vigilant and critical of the information we receive.
The Influence of Generation Z (GenZ) Votes on the 2024 Election
To vote or not to vote is the choice of every individual. In the context of the 2024 elections, the votes of Generation Z are crucial. Young voters in 2024 can be considered the dominant force in the electoral process. One vote has a significant impact when put together as one. Therefore, it is important to use voting rights wisely and responsibly.
"Therefore, use your voting rights to the best of your ability. With the huge potential that Generation Z possesses, their one vote can have a significant impact when pooled collectively. Therefore, it is their responsibility to use their votes wisely in fighting for democratic values," said Bintan.
Attitudes of Generation Z (Gen Z) in Social Media Ahead of the 2024 Election
In addition, Dr Bintan, M.Si also highlighted the importance of Gen Z's role in voicing their opinions on social media. How they use the platform to campaign or give their views, how they convey messages, choose diction, and respond to an issue become important factors in influencing public views. If Generation Z uses social media, calling for positive digital literacy about elections will lead to good.
"It all depends on how they use social media, if they call for elections by giving a positive view, then the results will be positive. But on the contrary, if they use social media for negative things, the results will create riots both on social media and in the real world," he said.
Thus, the Journalism Lecturer also emphasised that critical attitude and digital literacy must be the foundation for every political decision made by Generation Z. Understanding the ideas of political candidates, as well as being aware of the impact of every choice they make, is very important in the democratic process.
Listen to the full narrative about being a smart voter for Gen Z in UIN Jakarta podcast segment #Ngobrol Bareng Dosen on UIN Jakarta Official Youtube Channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_kI-xJqeoo (Linda Yuliani/Alliya Sukma/Novia Syifaputri R.)