Exploring the Impact of WhatsApp on Political Discussions and Participation in the Disruptive Era

Abstract

This research explores the impact of WhatsApp on political discourse and participation in the digital age. With the rise of social media platforms like WhatsApp, the dissemination, discussion, and debate of political information have become faster and more accessible, shaping public political views and engagement. The study investigates how WhatsApp facilitates information sharing, fosters political discussion, and enhances connectivity among politically like-minded individuals. However, it also examines the challenges posed by the spread of misinformation and the creation of echo chambers that limit exposure to diverse perspectives. Using a qualitative descriptive approach with exploratory techniques, the research highlights how interactions on WhatsApp influence users' political knowledge, opinion formation, and involvement in political activities. Findings suggest that active users benefit from increased political mobilization, but also underscore the importance of digital literacy in critically navigating political content. The research acknowledges limitations related to sample representation, qualitative data subjectivity, and the difficulty of measuring the concrete impact of WhatsApp on political participation.