Social media usage and pyschosocial as contributing factor towards the formation of ideology: A preliminary study

Abstract

Social media platforms have become the primary source of information, especially among young people. The reason is that the information shared on social media is quicker and more current. Exposure to social media information helps shape how they think and build their character and personality. Similarly, society, family, ideology, and media, grouped as psychosocial factors, influence ideological formation by contributing towards character building and strengthening worldview. However, excessive social media usage may negatively influence young people and the way they think, whereas psychosocial factors influence an individual's personality and thinking. Therefore, this study examines social media usage and psychosocial factors and their influence on young people's ideological formation. Using the quantitative methodology with a set of self-reporting questionnaires, about 128 respondents took part in the pilot study. It is found that ideological influence, social media influence, and socialization agents' influence positively correlate to ideological formation. These constructs positively impact and influence the formation of ideology, character-building, and rational thinking. Thus, the findings of this study are expected to help authorities apply positive values ​​from social media influence and psychosocial factors to the thinking process and ideological formation of young generation leaders today.