The Role of Social Networking Sites (SNS) in Shaping Public Opinion in Malaysia General Election 14 (GE14)

Yeow, Zhen Hao (2022) The Role of Social Networking Sites (SNS) in Shaping Public Opinion in Malaysia General Election 14 (GE14). Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

Results of the 14th General Election (GE14) have shocked and stunned countless Malaysians - Barisan Nasional (BN) lost the election. Hence, this study aims to identify the role of social media in shaping the public opinion in GE14. Social media is such an informative and freedom platform for the public. Everyone can post anything they want and share their opinion with each other. Due to the characteristics of social media, the bandwagon effect will often apply to the public. Even the political party started to use social media to share their party information or post political propaganda. Beside that, this study also looks to determine the effects of social media on the 14th general election towards 100 respondents between the ages 25 and above. In addition, agenda setting theory used in this research to explain how social media leads and shapes public opinion. The online platform gives more people a voice. With the help of social platforms, anyone can become the agenda setter. The government, the media, and the public can all be the main body of the agenda. The result of agenda setting affects people's attitudes, opinions and behaviors. The research finds that agenda setting has led to the establishment of the agenda in the process of guiding public opinion, which has both positive and negative effects.