Politics at the Fingertips: Institutional Trust Deficit and Generation Z's Digital Political Culture

Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, Singaraja, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

The rapid advancement of digital technology has reshaped political participation and transformed how younger generations engage with institutions. This study investigates the institutional trust deficit among Generation Z in Singaraja City and explores how digital political culture influences their political attitudes and beliefs. A descriptive qualitative approach with a case study design was employed, drawing on in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and document analysis. Data were analyzed using an interactive qualitative analysis model to capture dynamic relationships between digital practices and political perceptions. The findings reveal that Generation Z’s trust in institutions is fragile and strongly mediated by digital platforms, where exposure to information, disinformation, and political messaging shape their views. Moreover, the study highlights that digital political culture encourages critical, yet often skeptical, attitudes toward traditional institutions. These dynamics underscore the necessity for political actors to adopt “Hybrid Governance” and demonstrate “Authentic Responsiveness” in order to build legitimacy and foster meaningful youth participation. The study concludes that addressing the institutional trust deficit requires tailored digital political socialization strategies that align with the expectations and values of Generation Z. The implications point to the importance of integrating inclusive, transparent, and responsive digital engagement in local governance to strengthen democratic consolidation in Indonesia.