Patterns of Social Media Choice and Use and Their Impacts on Online Political Participation in Sarawak

This study investigates the patterns of social media use and choice among voters in Sarawak, Malaysia, and examines their impact on online political participation. By focusing on a geographically and culturally unique setting, the research aims to uncover the nuanced ways in which social media platforms facilitate or hinder political engagement across different age groups. Employing a survey and questionnaire research approach, the study gathers data from a diverse sample of Sarawak's electorate to analyze social media engagement trends and their implications for political discourse and participation through a survey and questionnaire research methodology. Key findings reveal a predominant preference for Facebook across all demographics, with younger voters diversifying their social media usage to include platforms like Instagram and TikTok, indicating a trend towards more visually oriented and interactive forms of political engagement. The study identifies a positive link between active engagement on social media (productive use) and the level of political participation, highlighting the significance of content creation and interaction in fostering political involvement. Moreover, differences in social media use and engagement patterns based on age groups suggest varying strategies for political communication and mobilization. The implications of this research are multifold, offering insights for political strategists, policymakers, and civic organizations on leveraging social media to enhance democratic engagement and political literacy, particularly among the youth. Additionally, the study contributes to the broader discourse on digital media and political participation, providing a foundation for future research in the context of Malaysia and beyond. Keywords: Social media choice, social media use, Sarawak state election, online political participation, Sarawak.