You’re never going to be able to understand modern politics until you stop ignoring the role that the medium of communication plays. People today spend truly massive amounts of time immersed in various forms of media - mostly online! The narratives and dynamics of this media shapes their world.
Even though you are right, the local elections in Turkey were the exact opposite. The echo chamber on social media still persists. The appearance on social media was in favor of the ruling party, but the opposition achieved a great victory.
