There is a common stigma suggesting that Generation Z is apathetic and indifferent toward national affairs. However, is this assumption accurate? An international journal article authored by a team of lecturers from the Communication Science Program at Universitas Padjadjaran specifically examines this phenomenon. In this study, Dr. Evie Ariadne Shinta Dewi, M.Pd., as the principal investigator, provides insights into the research process and explains how the study was conducted from inception to completion.
Evie is a lecturer in the Communication Science Program at Unpad who teaches Political Communication, Strategic Communication, and Communication and Social Change. With such a background, she is closely connected to issues of public and political communication, making her research highly relevant to her expertise.
The journal article we’re discussing is titled “Political Communication and Preferences of Generation Z in West Java: Insights from an Explanatory Sequential Study.” It was successfully accepted and published in the International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, a Scopus Q1 indexed journal. Dr. Evie co-authored this work with Zuhairi Sanofi, S., Kunto Adi Wibowo, Ph.D., and Prof. A. Hadi Arifin, S.E., M.Si.
This study stemmed from demographic conditions in West Java, where Gen Z makes up around 27% of the population. When combined with Millennials, the two generations account for more than half of West Java’s residents. This means they represent the largest voting bloc in any political contest, whether a gubernatorial or presidential election. However, there’s a common assumption that Gen Z is politically apathetic. For Evie, this assumption needed to be tested scientifically. She believes such a significant voting group holds an important role, not only in determining election outcomes but also in driving social change.
The main objective of this research was to explore how Gen Z in West Java perceives democracy. Beyond the normative understanding of democracy as “from the people, by the people, for the people,” the study sought to uncover whether democratic values such as honesty, equality, justice, and transparency are truly understood and practiced in daily life. For example, while many recognize honesty as an important principle, small-scale practices like paying extra fees for faster ID card processing are still considered normal. From this starting point, the research questions evolved into exploring how Gen Z actually learns about democracy and which communication channels they use to seek political information.
What makes this study unique is its mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The survey was conducted with 1,905 Gen Z respondents across West Java, and the findings were later enriched through FGDs with participants representing various regions. This method allowed the researchers to gather not only statistical data but also personal narratives from young people about how they perceive democracy.
The study produced several interesting and even surprising findings. More than 90% of respondents believed democracy is the best system. They also understood democratic values like honesty, justice, and equality, though their daily practices were not always consistent with these ideals. Another striking finding was their media preferences: 40.7% of Gen Z rely on social media as their main source of political information. Instagram came out on top, followed by YouTube, TikTok, and X. They found short-form, audiovisual content—such as political parodies or satire, far more engaging than long reports in mainstream media.
Thanks to this research, Evie and her team offered a fresh perspective: Gen Z is not as apathetic as the stigma suggests. On the contrary, they have a solid political awareness, but their engagement looks different from previous generations. These findings are not only significant for academia but also serve as valuable insights for policymakers in designing more effective political communication strategies.
At the end of the interview, Evie shared an important message: researchers should not rely solely on assumptions. Solid research must be based on data, not on prevailing stereotypes. She also emphasized that anyone studying Gen Z should pay attention to their communication context, what platforms they use, what kind of content they prefer, and how they interpret democratic values in everyday life.
This study also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. By strengthening political literacy among young people, the research contributes to building institutions that are more inclusive and responsive to the younger generation.
In the end, the assumption that Generation Z is apathetic toward politics is not entirely accurate. As demonstrated in the research conducted by Evie and her team, Generation Z possesses a significant degree of political awareness, albeit expressed through different forms. These findings serve as an important point of reflection for young people, academics, and policymakers alike: political communication must adapt to the ways in which society interacts and consumes information in the present era. The voice of Generation Z should not be underestimated, for they hold a crucial role as agents of future change.
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