Cross-Cultural Insights into Political Influence: Gen Z’s Engagement with Political Influencers in Indonesia and the Philippines

A comparative analysis of the impact of political influencers on online political participation across various geographical contexts has yet to be conducted. This study seeks to analyze the influence of political influencers on online political involvement among Gen Z in Indonesia and the Philippines, assessing the mediating effects of political interest and internal political efficacy. The sample comprises Generation Z, aged 17 to 26, who follows at least one political influencer on social media. Sampling was conducted by disseminating questionnaires using social media channels, with a sample size of 500 from each population. The findings underscore the significance of interest as a primary mediator in both countries. The two regions have differing results in engagement and perception of political influences.