Politics Political dissatisfaction higher among Japanese social media users

[thomas]

According to a recent survey conducted by Yomiuri and Waseda University, people who frequently use social networking sites and watch videos online were particularly dissatisfied with politics. The influence of social media on elections has been attracting attention: former Hyogo Gov. Saito Motohiko returned to power in November following an election in which he garnered support through social networking sites.

The facts:

• Media Usage for Political Information:
  • Overall: 6% use social media (e.g., X), and 6% use video-sharing sites (e.g., YouTube).
  • Ages 18-39: 21% use social media and 11% use video-sharing sites.
• Political Engagement & Dissatisfaction:
  • Nearly 90% of those aged 18-39 are dissatisfied with politics.
  • Social media and video users prioritize immediate personal benefits, with comments favouring lower taxes and national interests over international cooperation.
• Short Video Consumption on Politics:
  • 57% rarely or never watched political short videos, and 22% do not.
  • 20% watched or somewhat frequently, rising to 33% among ages 18-39.
• Voting Trends & Influence of Short Videos:
  • 21% of frequent/somewhat frequent short video watchers voted for the Democratic Party for the People (DPFP), compared to 12% of those who rarely/never watched.
  • Among DPFP voters aged 18-39: 30% frequently watched political short videos vs. 20% who rarely/never watched.
  • A similar trend was observed among Reiwa Shinsengumi voters.

Arata Yamazaki, a guest researcher specializing in political psychology at Waseda University, said the simple messages of the DPFP and Reiwa Shinsengumi were well received by those who interacted with social media platforms and short videos during the lower house election. The DPFP called for an increase in after-tax income, while Reiwa Shinsengumi called for abolishing the consumption tax.

Survey: Dissatisfaction with Politics Higher Among Social Media Users; DPFP, Reiwa Shinsengumi Benefit from Short Videos

<p>The influence of social media on elections has been attracting attention. Former Hyogo Gov. Motohiko Saito returned to power in November following an election where he garnered support through social networking sites.</p>

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

Japanese politics, too, seem to be on the brink of entering the post-truth era, a trend amplified by the defeating noise of social media echo chambers.

Says David McNeill, professor at Sacred Heart University, author and contributor to the Economist:

Compared to America, Japan's institutions appear stable. For example, there is no equivalent of NHK, which is still a huge unifier in Japan. But don't be complacent. Distrust in the established media is growing here, too, warns Masaru Seo, the president of Slow News, an online media outlet that supports investigative journalism. "The media views themselves as watchdogs monitoring those in power, but the public sees the media as a vested interest group." Many Japanese people appear to be drifting away from mainstream media to more partisan online offerings. For example, the right-leaning YouTube channel Toranomon News has 1.190 million followers. Channel Sakura has over half a million subscribers. "Bunkajin hosokoku" (https://bunkajintv.com） also has hundreds of thousands of viewers. Many of my students no longer read a newspaper or even watch television. However, most have accounts on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and other online platforms. This fuels widespread disengagement from political and social issues, as people turn online mainly for entertainment and distraction. A vast percentage have no political affiliation.

Life in Japan: Has the post-truth era finally arrived in this country? - The Mainichi

By David McNeill Historical turning points sometimes announce themselves with a bang but often they sneak past us, almost unnoticed. Take, for exampl

mainichi.jp