POLITICAL EDUCATION IN THE DIGITAL ERA TO ENCOURAGE FIRST-TIME VOTER PARTICIPATION

Abstract

Political education is crucial in shaping a politically aware and active society. In today's digital era, where information and communication technology are central to daily life, political education faces new challenges and opportunities. This article discusses how political education in the digital age can enhance the participation of first-time voters by focusing on its definitions, challenges, the role of technology, and implementation strategies. Political education encompasses understanding government structures and electoral processes and developing critical thinking skills, media literacy, and political knowledge. In the digital era, broad access to information can be beneficial and problematic, such as the spread of invalid information and the digital divide. Although technology presents challenges, it offers significant opportunities to improve political education through access to information, interactive educational platforms, and digital campaigns. Effective strategies include intensive digital literacy training, innovative curricula, partnerships with tech companies, and social media campaigns. By wisely leveraging technology, digital-era political education can enhance first-time voter engagement and prepare them to participate in democracy actively. Research is conducted using qualitative methods. Risalt political education in the digital era is critical to increasing first-time voter involvement in the democratic process. By leveraging technology wisely, we can address challenges like misinformation and the digital divide while taking advantage of opportunities to develop critical skills and media literacy among younger generations. Thus, digital-era political education aims to prepare first-time voters for elections and enable them to actively contribute to shaping their country’s political future.