INSTAGRAM SEBAGAI MEDIA LITERASI POLITIK GENERASI MUDA KOTA BATU DALAM PILKADA 2024

This study aims to determine how the quality of political information on Instagram influences the understanding of the younger generation and to determine whether Instagram can serve as a platform for gaining and improving political literacy among them.
Using a qualitative approach with a phenomenological approach, this research was conducted in Pendem Village, Batu City, using observation and in-depth interviews. The data obtained from the research were then processed and used to produce the conclusions in this thesis.
The results revealed two main findings. First, the quality of political information on Instagram influences the understanding of the younger generation. Credible and easily accessible information from official accounts can improve political understanding for critical users, while confusing and manipulative information can actually create confusion and reinforce apathy among passive users. Second, Instagram's role as a conditional political literacy platform is effective for young people who actively seek and discuss verified information, but has no significant impact on those who are passive.