To take a stand in an election : A qualitative study of first-time voter’s information habits

First-time voters is a group that is given a considerable amount of media attention during election years. Even though they are an interesting group, the amount of research related to this group is relatively small. To understand how this group can be reached one can examine their information habits. In this bachelor thesis the first-time voters’ information habits are examined in relation to the upcoming election and how this can be understood by way of an information process. The study was conducted during the period April-May 2018 and builds on five semi-structured interviews with first-time voters that studied at high school level. Each respondents’ information habits were presented and later analyzed and discussed by way of an information process. All respondents expressed that traditional media have been replaced with digital formats. They also consider themselves to be reached best through digital media with information about the election. All respondents felt that social media is a cause of stress that interferes with their daily life, but they also saw many advantages. They talked about a globalized communication technology and an available information flow. They thus want to distance themselves from and at the same time take part of the advantages of social media, which appears as a complex relationship. Young first-time voters view information as an infinite source to knowledge which is in need of critical inspection. The legislative election is not taken lightly and they experience that it is not easy to know which politicians are right or wrong. The election, information and social media are seen as important but also as big and exhausting