Dynamics of Selective Exposure for New Voters in Greater Jakarta Province General Election 2017

Abstract

Understanding that selecting information process as a form of behavior is likely to be influenced by pschological aspects, utility of information, and support from the group, it is interesting to see the dynamics shown by the new voters who vote in the Greater Jakarta Province General Election 2017 for governor in 2017, based on the theory of selective exposure. This research is a qualitative research using the interpretative paradigm. The method applied in the study is the interpretative phenomenological analyses (IPA). The results of the study indicate that the aspect of one’s belief plays a decisive role in selecting information regarding the information of Greater Jakarta Province general election 2017. What is more, information only has limites roles in adding knowledge to strengthen the belief of the informants of the candidates to be elected. Belief has decisive roles in selecting information and reflects the strenthening of one’s belief for his/her political choice. In this case, belief is used to support the choice already possessed. Within the scope of political communication, it is often times confirmed that the vote for a candidate will lead a person to a process of information selection to support his/her choice and not to weaken it. When I do the selecting of information, support from the group does not really play a role. I have my own principle either to select (accept) or refuse information of the pair of candidates (governor and deputy governor). Apart form that, members of my group are neutral and they have nothing to do with politics or the general election. In our group, we do not want to interfere in others’ affairs, especially when it comes to the group members’ personal choice. Choices are up to ourslves. It is up to everyone to read the news about canditate pair A or candidate pair B. In this matter, the group does not interfere. (Informan NH)