Transformation of political absenteeism in the context of globalization and digitalization (based on Scopus and Web of Science data)

Abstract

Based on data from Scopus and the Web of Science, this article examines how the sense of structural isolation caused by economic globalization and the new forms of interaction provided by digitalization are changing the nature and scale of political absenteeism. The study analyzes the tension between the effects of globalization, which weakens nations' capacity for identity, and the opportunities for participation offered by digital platforms in the context of voter behavior and institutional trust.

The theoretical basis of the research was created by combining the theory of rational choice, the model of civic volunteerism and approaches to digital distancing; on this basis, four main hypotheses were prepared. In the work, which uses a mixed methodological research design, quantitative data related to levels of participation on digital platforms were analyzed using structural equation modeling, and citizens' perception of the platform's experience was assessed using a thematic analysis of the content of in-depth interviews. The results show that young voters with a high level of digital literacy prefer online activity to traditional participation in polling stations, and inequality in access to digital skills and infrastructure further alienates older people and groups with low socio-economic status from political processes. In addition, the lack of transparency and accountability mechanisms on digital platforms reduces trust in government and political institutions and creates the basis for the formation of a new phenomenon called “digital absenteeism”.

According to the researchers, digital democratic tools cannot deal with the crisis of representation alone, but they can contribute to participatory democracy supported by the principles of enabling design and reliable accountability systems. In conclusion, it is proposed to reformulate political absenteeism not only as a phenomenon of refusal from political participation, but also as a manifestation of structural insecurity resulting from the interaction of globalization and digitalization processes.

Keywords: globalization, digitalization, political absenteeism, voter turnout, digital divide, institutional trust.