Malaysian Youth’s Social Media Usage

Navigating Disasters, Politics, and Misinformation in the Digital Age

Abstract

In Malaysia, where nearly 90 percent of youth are daily social media users, crises such as floods, political unrest, and health emergencies spread online just as rapidly as offline. This study explores how Malaysian youth respond to these challenges in a digital environment crowded with trending hashtags, influencer opinions, and government alerts, often struggling to separate fact from misinformation. By analyzing cases such as the 2021 #DaruratBanjir flood response, debates over COVID-19 vaccines, and youth-led movements like #Lawan, the research identifies clear patterns in youth engagement, coping strategies, and the ways they build digital resilience. The findings show that while platforms like TikTok encourage active participation, they also heighten distrust in authorities and can negatively affect post-pandemic mental health. Current crisis communication strategies often fail to resonate with young people, who increasingly rely on peers and influencers for guidance. Based on these findings, the study recommends actionable strategies: co-creating content with youth influencers, gamifying digital literacy programs, and embedding mental health support in crisis messaging. These insights aim to equip policymakers, educators, and NGOs with practical guidance to design communication approaches that genuinely reflect the experiences, resilience, and challenges of Malaysian youth navigating today’s digital landscape.