Informal Social Control Impact on Young People Political Participation Integrity: Structural Equation Modelling Approach

Abstract

Innovation of communication technology, especially social media offer an interactive platform for young people to participate in political activities. Lack of informal social control reported by social scientists has a significant influence on low integrity political activities such as flashing provocation, joining the street demonstration, spreading fake news, defamation, and slanders with intentionally to create damage on certain political parties. This study aims to examine the factors that determine the integrity of political participation among young people using a theoretical model based on the Informal Social Control Theory. Data relating to the constructs were collected from 388 respondents in Malaysia and subjected to Structural Equation Modelling analysis. The proposed model fits the data well. Results indicate that the important determinant of the young people’s political participation integrity is involvement. The rest three dimensions namely attachment, belief, and commitment are insignificant influences on the young people’s political participation integrity. Perhaps with literacy skills able to shape young people with integrity in political participation on social media. Finally, implications and recommendations of these findings are discussed.