Title: Influence of Tik Tok among the Malaysian first time voters and Undi-18 voters in the 15th general election (GE-15)

Authors: Maekala Veerappan; Ravindaran Maraya; Mohana Dass Ramasamy

Addresses: Department of Indian Studies, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia ' Department of Indian Studies, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia ' Department of Indian Studies, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia

Abstract: This research investigates the influence of TikTok on the 15th General Election (GE-15) among first-time voters and Undi-18 voters in Malaysia. The study assessed the quality and reliability of information provided by TikTok about GE-15, TikTok's influence on these voters' election decisions, and whether TikTok served as their primary source of election-related information. The study also explored whether TikTok was the decisive factor in GE-15 results and examined the influence of education levels. Conducted through a quantitative cross-sectional online survey after GE-15, the study obtained responses from 100 active TikTok users. The results reveal that TikTok significantly impacted Undi-18 and first-time voters, who considered it a primary and reliable information source during GE-15. TikTok played a pivotal role in shaping the election outcome for these demographics. The findings highlight TikTok's substantial influence on political engagement and decision-making among younger voters in Malaysia, underlining its importance in contemporary electoral processes.

Keywords: Tik-Tok; General Election-15; Tik-Tok election; Undi-18; first-time voter.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2023.136274

International Journal of Electronic Governance, 2023 Vol.15 No.4, pp.404 - 422

Received: 04 May 2023
Accepted: 27 Oct 2023
Published online: 25 Jan 2024 *

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