THE ROLE OF POLITICAL LITERACY FOR THE YOUNG GENERATION IN THE DIGITAL ERA: PERAN LITERASI POLITIK BAGI GENERASI MUDA DI ERA DIGITAL

Abstract

This study aims to map the digital information consumption characteristics of the youth,
evaluate their level of public policy literacy, examine the long-term impacts of a superficial
understanding of regulations on their socio-economic prospects, and formulate a tactical
communication formula for policy education. A qualitative approach was applied through a library
research method, utilizing secondary data collected from open academic databases, which were then
analyzed descriptively and analytically through the process of comparing and interpreting previous
research. The research findings demonstrate that an exceptionally high level of device dependency
(93.02%) conversely triggers a decline in civic literacy (civic illiteracy). This is caused by visual
social media algorithm systems that shift the youth's focus toward superficial entertainment trends,
fuel disinformation, and expand slacktivism as a form of pseudo-digital engagement. The tangible
impact of this phenomenon is the weakening bargaining position of fresh graduates in the job market
due to their indifference toward fundamental regulatory instruments. In conclusion, the current cyber
activities of the youth are creating a cognitive crisis and eroding substantive legal understanding; therefore, collaborative measures are required to overhaul information dissemination patterns
through interactive and inclusive public communication channels to protect the strategic rights of the
productive generation’s future.