TRANSFORMATION OF POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN THE DIGITAL AGE, THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN SHAPING PUBLIC OPINION AND MASS MOBILIZATION

In the digital era, social media has become a significant tool in redefining how society participates in the political process. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram enable individuals and groups to voice their opinions, organize movements, and influence public policy more directly and swiftly compared to traditional media. This study aims to examine the transformation of political participation in the digital age, focusing on the role of social media in shaping public opinion and mass mobilization. The research method used in this study is a literature review. The research finds that social media has the power to expand the reach of political participation, especially among younger generations and marginalized groups who were previously difficult to engage through traditional political channels. However, this study also highlights several challenges that arise, including the spread of misinformation, opinion polarization, and the risk of political manipulation through social media algorithms. In conclusion, social media has great potential to transform political participation, but it also requires a cautious approach in managing its negative impacts. Further research is needed to understand how policies can be adapted to this new reality to ensure more inclusive and healthy political participation in the digital age.


INTRODUCTION
The rapid development of digital technology, especially social media, has revolutionized the way people access, process, and disseminate political information.Digital platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have not only served as a means of social interaction, but have also become a new arena for the battle of ideas and the formation of public opinion.This transformation has had a significant impact on the contemporary political communication landscape.One of the most prominent impacts of social media is the democratization of access to political information.Previously, access to political information was often limited by traditional mass media that controlled the dissemination of information.However, with the advent of social media, every individual has the potential to become a producer and distributor of information.Political information can now be accessed in real-time and instantly, allowing the public to follow political events more quickly and comprehensively.Social media has also changed the way people interact with political information.Through features such as comments, sharing, and reactions, users can actively participate in public discussions, express opinions, and interact directly with political figures.(Prischa, 2023) Argue that the transformation of the political communication landscape due to the rapid development of social media has given rise to new challenges.One of the main challenges is the rampant spread of disinformation.To overcome this, it is necessary to make efforts to improve digital literacy and political understanding, especially among the millennial generation, so that the positive potential of social media can be optimized.Qualitative research conducted by Priadji and Rusadi (2023) revealed that social media has become a crucial instrument in building political communication networks.The findings of the study show that social media platforms have facilitated cross-sector interaction and created a more solid and inclusive political network (Priadji, 2023).Research conducted by Fitriani (2023) highlights the urgency to analyze the dynamics of interaction between technology, social media, and political participation in the context of Indonesia's democracy.The study argues that the use of information technology and social media has revolutionized the landscape of political participation, but it has also presented significant challenges such as misinformation and political polarization (Fitriani, 2023).Research conducted by Sitompul et al. (2023) explores the crucial role of social media in the context of general elections, focusing on its impact on first-time voters.The findings of the study show that social media has become a highly effective campaign instrument, but it also raises significant challenges such as misinformation and polarization of opinions (Sitompul, 2024).The research conducted by Rahmawati et al. (2023) explores the influence of social media on the political decision-making process using a problem tree analysis approach.The findings of the study show that social media plays a dual role as a facilitator of information access and political participation, but also as a source of challenges such as disinformation and polarization (Rahmawati, 2024).Research conducted by Farid (2023) explores the impact of social media on political behavior in the context of political campaigns.The findings of the study show that social media has a significant influence in shaping public opinion and stimulating political participation.However, the use of social media is also accompanied by challenges such as the spread of disinformation and polarization of opinions (Farid, 2023).Research conducted by Juleha et al. (2024) explores the influence of social media on the formation of public opinion and political participation.The findings of the study show that social media has a significant role in both aspects.However, the use of social media is also accompanied by challenges such as the spread of disinformation and polarization.This study highlights the importance of government oversight of political activities on social media to ensure healthy and productive use (Juleha, 2024).
It has created a more inclusive digital public space, giving a voice to those who were previously marginalized.However, behind its positive potential, social media also presents a number of challenges.One of them is the spread of disinformation and hoaxes that can damage public trust in political institutions and hinder rational decision-making.In addition, social media also contributes to the polarization of opinions, where users tend to be exposed to only information that matches their views.The use of personal data and sophisticated algorithms by social media platforms can also be used to manipulate opinions, Taryana (2023) in her research analyzes the central role of public relations, social media, and digital media management in managing the corporate reputation of Pertamina Internasional EP (PIEP) in the digital era.The findings of the study conclude that an integrated communication strategy and optimal use of digital platforms are the keys to success in building a positive image of the company and establishing strong relationships with various stakeholders (Taryana, 2023).Watie (2024) found that social media has a very significant role in shaping public opinion on social issues, such as the case of forced use of the hijab.Opinions formed in the realm of social media are influenced by various factors (Watie, 2024).(Setiadarma, 2024) conducted an in-depth study on social transformation triggered by the rapid development of digital technology.This research focuses on the analysis of changes in social interaction patterns in virtual spaces, the dynamics of online community formation, the influence of social media on the formation of public opinion, and the construction of individual digital identities.It is hoped that the results of this study can make a significant contribution to a more comprehensive understanding of the social impact of the digital era.
Nonetheless, social media offers a great opportunity to increase political participation, promote government transparency, and strengthen public accountability.By utilizing social media effectively, the community can play an active role in overseeing government performance, conveying aspirations, and encouraging social change.In conclusion, the impact of social media on political communication is complex.On the one hand, social media has expanded access to information and increased public participation.On the other hand, social media also poses challenges such as the spread of disinformation and polarization.To maximize the positive potential and minimize its negative impact, joint efforts from various parties, including the government, civil society, and the social media platform itself, are needed.The rapid development of digital technology, especially social media, has changed the way we access, understand, and disseminate information about politics.Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are not only for interacting with friends, but also for debating and forming opinions on various political issues.
In research (Ema, 2024) empirically proves that social media has revolutionized the landscape of social movements in Indonesia.This digital platform has become a very effective tool in mobilizing the masses, spreading public awareness, and accelerating the process of social change.Through the use of creative and innovative communication strategies, such as the use of hashtags, data visualization, and thematic campaigns, social movements are able to reach a wider reach and stimulate more active public participation.An analysis of the research (Hinsberg, 2024) reveals the crucial role of social media in shaping the landscape of contemporary political participation, particularly among Generation Z. Digital platforms have revolutionized the way individuals engage in the political process, transforming it from an elitist activity to a more inclusive and democratic practice.In a research article (Utomo, 2023) underlines the central role of social media as a catalyst in social movements, especially in political contexts.Digital platforms have proven to be an effective tool for organizing, mobilizing, and shaping public opinion.The case study of the rejection of the postponement of the 2024 General Election in Indonesia reinforces this finding, showing how social media plays an important role in encouraging public participation.
In research (Pratiwi, C., Yunarti, S., & Komsiah, S, 2023), it is proven that students play a crucial role in environmental conservation efforts.Through the use of social media, students can effectively spread awareness of the importance of protecting the environment and mobilizing public participation.Thus, students can act as agents of change that drive real action to protect the environment.The research (Sulaiman, 2024) analyzes how digital media plays a role in building collective identities, spreading narratives, and facilitating collective action in social movements such as Black Lives Matter and the Umbrella Movement.The results of the study show that digital media has a very significant role in strengthening and expanding the reach of these social movements.Youth, especially the millennial generation, play a central role in the development of Indonesia's democracy.In the research (Millennial Generation in Supervising the Election Stages, 2023) underlines the importance of the millennial generation's political participation in the 2024 Election.The results of the study show that their active involvement can significantly influence the outcome of elections and encourage increased political awareness among youth.
This change has a big impact on the way we do politics today.One of the biggest changes is that it is easier to get political information.In the past, political information could often only be obtained from mass media such as television or newspapers.Now, anyone can spread information through social media.We can get political news quickly and at any time.Social media also makes us more active in politics.We can participate in discussions, give opinions, and even interact directly with politicians.This makes us feel more involved in politics and our voices become more heard.However, there are also disadvantages.Fake news or hoaxes often spread quickly on social media, making it difficult for us to distinguish between what is true and what is false.In addition, social media can also divide us into groups with different opinions, making it difficult to reach an agreement.Despite the challenges, social media also opens up great opportunities.We can use social media to monitor government performance, express our opinions, and drive change.

RESEARCH METHODS
This study adopts a literature study approach with the aim of conducting a comprehensive review of literature relevant to the research topic "The Role of Social Media in Political Participation".As explained by (John W. Creswell, 2024), literature studies are written synthetics from various sources, including journals, books, and other documents.The data analysis in this study uses a descriptive approach to describe and interpret the findings of the literature.This literature study aims to identify knowledge gaps, build a theoretical framework, and provide a foundation for further research (A Concise Introduction to Mixed Methods Research -John W. Creswell -Google Books, n.d.).The steps in conducting this literature review method include:

Identification of the Topic and Research Questions
The research begins by identifying the main topic, which is the transformation of political participation in the digital age, and formulating research questions that focus on how social media shapes public opinion and mobilizes the masses.

Literature Search
Relevant literature is collected from various academic databases such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, Scopus, and ProQuest.Keywords used in the search include "political participation," "social media," "public opinion," "mass mobilization," and "digital era."Inclusion and exclusion criteria are established to ensure that only relevant and high-quality literature is included in the analysis.

Evaluation and Selection of Literature
After gathering the literature, the researcher critically evaluates each source to assess its relevance, validity, and contribution to the research topic.Literature that meets the selection criteria is then further analyzed.

Analysis and Synthesis
The selected literature is analyzed by identifying key themes, trends, and consistent and contradictory findings related to the role of social media in political participation.Synthesis is conducted by integrating these findings to provide a comprehensive overview of how social media influences public opinion and mass mobilization in the digital age.

Conclusion and Implications
The results of the literature analysis and synthesis are used to draw conclusions about the transformation of political participation in the digital age.This research also discusses the practical and theoretical implications of the findings and identifies areas that require further research.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Discussion
Easy access to political information through social media has triggered an increase in political participation among the younger generation, especially in participating in elections, joining organizations, or participating in demonstrations Algorithms used by social media platforms have formed a "filter bubble" that strengthens individual political views, thus reinforcing polarization.The long-term influence of social media on political behavior is still an area that needs more research.The unique characteristics of each social media platform and its implications for political participation need to be examined in depth.The algorithmic mechanism in personalizing user content and its impact on the formation of public opinion requires a more in-depth study.Comparative studies with other countries can provide a broader and more comprehensive perspective.

Development of a Comprehensive Digital Literacy Program: A Crucial Step Towards a Smart and Responsive Digital Society
In an increasingly complex digital era, people's ability to critically evaluate information is becoming increasingly important.The rise of the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media has become a serious challenge that threatens the quality of democracy and social order.Therefore, the development of a comprehensive digital literacy program is a crucial step to improve people's ability to identify, evaluate, and respond to information intelligently and responsibly.

Effective Regulatory Policy and Multi-Sector Collaboration
The government has a central role in efforts to improve people's digital literacy.In addition to formulating effective regulatory policies to protect citizens' digital rights, the government also needs to create an environment that is conducive to the growth and development of a healthy digital ecosystem.Good regulatory policies include not only the protection of personal data, but also the regulation of social media platforms to be more responsible in managing the content that circulates.Strong collaboration between government, academia, industry, and civil society is key to success in overcoming the complexity of the challenges posed by social media.Academics can contribute to producing in-depth research on social media user behavior, the effectiveness of digital literacy programs, and the impact of social media on various aspects of people's lives.The information and communication technology (ICT) industry has an important role in developing technology that supports digital literacy, as well as creating safer and more responsible social media platforms.Civil society can also play an active role in advocacy, education, and supervision of the implementation of digital literacy policies.

The Importance of Continuous Research and a Multidisciplinary Approach
The dynamics of social media use are constantly changing rapidly, so ongoing research is critical to understanding the latest trends and emerging new challenges.This research needs to cover various aspects, from the analysis of social media content, the study of user behavior, to the evaluation of the impact of policies that have been implemented.A multidisciplinary approach is also indispensable to address the complexity of issues related to social media.In addition to communication science, research on social media also involves other disciplines such as political science, sociology, psychology, and law.This interdisciplinary approach allows us to gain a more holistic understanding of the social media phenomenon and develop more comprehensive solutions.

Social Media and Political Participation
Social media has revolutionized the landscape of political participation.Social media platforms allow individuals to access information, participate in public discussions, and even organize social actions more easily and quickly.However, on the other hand, social media can also be used to spread hate speech, fake news, and political polarization.To optimize the positive potential of social media in a political context, a balanced and comprehensive approach is needed.On the one hand, we need to encourage the use of social media as a tool to increase political participation and strengthen democracy.On the other hand, we also need to develop strategies to address the challenges posed by social media, such as the spread of disinformation and polarization.

CONCLUSION
Scientific research has shown a positive correlation between the level of digital literacy and various aspects of individual and community life.Individuals with high digital literacy tend to have wider access to information, better job opportunities, and more active political participation.At the community level, high digital literacy contributes to economic growth, innovation, and improved quality of life.However, on the other hand, the rampant spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media has become a serious threat to democracy and social order.Research shows that individuals with low digital literacy are more easily exposed to and believe in inaccurate information, and are more susceptible to manipulation and polarization.
Multi-Sector Collaboration: The Key to Successful Digital Literacy Development To overcome these challenges, strong collaboration between various stakeholders is needed.The government has a central role in formulating policies that support the development of digital literacy, such as the provision of adequate digital infrastructure, the development of educational curricula that integrate digital literacy, and regulations on social media platforms.Academics play a role in conducting research to understand the phenomenon of digital literacy, develop effective learning models, and evaluate the impact of digital literacy programs.The information and communication technology (ICT) industry can contribute to creating products and services that support digital literacy, as well as developing safer and more responsible social media platforms.Civil society, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), can play a role in advocacy, education, and community empowerment.