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Gen Z as Digital Influencers in Conflict: The Power and Risks of Digital Activism

Gen Z as Digital Influencers in Conflict

Generation Z, typically defined as individuals born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, has grown up in a highly digital and interconnected world. Unlike previous generations, they are deeply integrated into online environments where communication, information sharing, and social interaction happen instantly. This has led to the rise of digital activism, which refers to the use of online platforms to raise awareness, advocate for social issues, and influence public opinion. In the context of global conflicts, digital activism has become an important space where young people engage with issues such as human rights and civilian experiences.

Gen Z has emerged as a powerful group of digital influencers, capable of shaping conversations on a global scale. Through platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and X, they share content that simplifies complex political situations and makes them more accessible to a wider audience. By using short videos, visual storytelling, and personal narratives, they are able to connect emotionally with viewers and draw attention to the realities faced by civilians in conflict areas. This form of engagement allows young people not only to consume information but also to actively participate in spreading awareness and influencing how others understand global events.

In addition to spreading information, Gen Z plays a significant role in shaping narratives around conflict. Social media platforms allow users to present events from specific perspectives, which can influence how audiences interpret and respond to those events. Through the use of hashtags, captions, and viral content, certain viewpoints gain more visibility and become dominant in online discussions. For example, during the recent escalation of the Gaza Strip conflict, hashtags such as #SaveSheikhJarrah and #GazaUnderAttack went viral across platforms like TikTok and Instagram. These hashtags were widely used by young users to highlight the experiences of Palestinian civilians and draw global attention to human rights concerns. As a result, the conflict was increasingly framed online as a humanitarian issue rather than only a political or military one, influencing how global audiences perceived the situation.

The speed and reach of these digital tools, including live streaming and algorithm-driven content, further strengthen the ability of these narratives to spread and shape public opinion in real time.

However, its influence comes with its own challenges, and one of the main risks is the rapid spread of misinformation, as content is often shared quickly without proper verification. This can lead to misunderstandings and the spread of false narratives, especially in complex conflict situations. Additionally, the visibility of online activism can expose individuals to risks such as surveillance, censorship, and harassment. In some cases, governments or other actors may monitor digital activities, creating potential dangers for those who speak out. Another concern is performative activism, where individuals engage with issues only on a surface level, such as sharing posts without a deeper understanding or meaningful action. This can reduce the overall impact of digital movements and oversimplify serious issues.

In conclusion, Generation Z has become a significant force in shaping how conflicts and human rights issues are discussed in the digital age. Through their use of social media, they spread information, influence narratives, and bring global attention to important issues. At the same time, their digital presence also highlights the challenges of online activism, including misinformation and potential risks for participants. This shows that while digital platforms provide powerful tools for awareness and engagement, they also require careful and responsible use.

Reference:

Bukhari, S. R. H. (2025, November 28). DIGITAL ACTIVISM OF GENERATION Z: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS IN YOUTH LED POLITICAL MOVEMENTS AND GOVERNMENT CHANGE.

http://www.pjssrjournal.com/index.php/Journal/article/view/326

Guesmi, H. (2021b, May 28). Generation Z will free Palestine. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2021/5/28/generation-z-will-free-palestine

Sombatpoonsiri, J. (2025, September 30). The promises and pitfalls of the social Media–Fueled Gen-Z protests across Asia. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. https://carnegieendowment.org/emissary/2025/09/social-media-gen-z-protests-nepal-indonesia-promises-pitfalls?lang=en

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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Buku ‘Reset Indonesia: Gagasan tentang Indonesia Baru’ Demokrasi tidak Sekedar Pemilu saja!

Buku ‘Reset Indonesia: Gagasan tentang Indonesia Baru’ Demokrasi tidak Sekedar Pemilu saja!

Buku berjudul ‘Reset Indonesia: Gagasan tentang Indonesia Baru’ sempat ramai di berbagai platform digital lantaran substansinya yang penuh kritik tajam berbasis data hasil penelusuran empat jurnalis lintas generasi. Empat jurnalis itu adalah Farid Gaban (mewakili Baby Boomer), Dandhy (mewakili Generasi X), Yusuf Priambodo (mewakili Milenial), serta Benaya Harobu (mewakili Gen Z).

Singkatnya, buku ini adalah ekspedisi jurnalistik mulai dari Ekspedisi Zamrud Khatulistiwa tahun 2009, Indonesia Biru tahun 2015, dan Ekspedisi Indonesia Baru tahun 2022-2023. Semua didokumentasikan dalam 12 terabyte video dan 80.000 foto. Ketidakadilan soal atas lahan menjadi isu yang dikuliti pada buku ini. Namun, yang tak kalah menarik adalah salah satu bab yang menyoal pesta demokrasi.

Dosen Ilmu Komunikasi UII, Khumaid Akhyat Sulkhan menyebut, pemaknaan demokrasi tak sebatas pesta lima tahunan. Demokrasi tak sekedar memutuskan pilihan di bilik suara. Lebih luas, demokrasi adalah partisipasi bermakna yang menentukan kebijakan.

“Seolah-olah inti demokrasi hanya terletak pada bilik suara. Namun, pandangan ini menyederhanakan makna demokrasi yang sesungguhnya. Demokrasi bukan sekadar memilih, melainkan partisipasi bermakna warga dalam menentukan arah kebijakan publik,” ucapnya, menjelaskan buku Reset Indonesia.

Bab ini memberikan gambaran soal fenomena golput (golongan putih) yang datang dari kekecewaan terhadap Orde Baru kala itu. Golput menjadi bentuk protes politik karena pemilu tidak memberikan ruang partisipasi sejati. Pemilu hanyalah seremoni, sementara kritik dan keterlibatan masyarakat di luar pemilu lebih sering ditekan. Sederhananya, pemilu hanyalah prosedur formal yang tidak substansial.

“Pemilu itu adalah pesta demokrasi, padahal demokrasi itu ya harus ada dalam hidupan kita sehari-hari dan itu harus ada bahkan dari level desa,” tambahnya.

Sejatinya, untuk mencapai demokrasi yang berkualitas, ada empat komponen yang mesti terpenuhi. Pertama, partisipasi aktif masyarakat atau participatory democracy, tak hanya mencoblos, masyarakat terlibat dalam perumusan kebijakan untuk tingkat desa hingga nasional.

Kedua, musyawarah atau deliberative democracy, idealnya pengambilan keputusan dilakukan melalui musyawarah yang terbuka dan saling menghormati, bukan voting dan pemenangan suara mayoritas. Selanjutnya, kesetaraan atau egalitarian democracy yakni distribusi kekuasaan yang adil untuk semua kelompok sosial tanpa adanya diskriminasi berbasis ekonomi, gender, ras, etnis, maupun kondisi fisik. Terakhir, kebebasan dan supremasi hukum atau liberal democracy, dalam demokrasi, perlindungan hak sipil, kebebasan berekspresi, peradilan yang independen harus dijamin oleh negara. Konstitusi semestinya menjamin hak publik dalam menyampaikan kritik. Artinya, pemilu bukanlah satu-satunya instrumen demokrasi. Demokrasi berkelanjutan dibangun lewat keterlibatan, dialog inklusif, dan penghormatan terhadap hukum dan kebebasan sipil.

 

 

 

Penulis: Meigitaria Sanita

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PENGUMUMAN: Update Daftar Mahasiswa Bimbingan Dosen Sumekar Tanjung

Pengumuman

Pengumuman: Pembaruan Daftar Mahasiswa Bimbingan

Telah dilakukan pembaruan daftar mahasiswa bimbingan dosen Sumekar Tanjung pada Program Studi Ilmu Komunikasi Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII). Mahasiswa yang berada di bawah bimbingan beliau diharapkan untuk memeriksa daftar terbaru guna memastikan status bimbingannya.

Apabila terdapat pertanyaan atau ketidaksesuaian data, silakan segera menghubungi pihak program studi untuk klarifikasi lebih lanjut.

Selengkapnya klik link berikut: update_daftar-mahasiswa-bimbingan-103210404_sumekar tanjung

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How Ramadan Unites Muslims Around the World

How Ramadan Unites Muslims Around the World

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered one of the most sacred times for Muslims. It is a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, reflection, and good deeds. During this time, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from food and drink while focusing on strengthening their relationship with Allah and improving their character. Beyond its religious significance, Ramadan also fosters a powerful sense of unity among Muslims worldwide. Even though Muslims live in different countries, cultures, and societies, the shared practices and values of Ramadan bring them together in a unique way.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Ramadan is how Muslims around the world follow the same core practices. From Indonesia to Yemen, from Turkey to Australia, millions of Muslims fast during the same month and break their fast at sunset. Families and communities gather for iftar, the evening meal that marks the end of the daily fast, creating moments of connection and gratitude.

Another important practice is the nightly Taraweeh prayers performed in mosques during Ramadan. These prayers bring people together in large jma’ah, strengthening the feeling of belonging to a larger global community. Even when Muslims are far from their home countries, they can still find comfort in knowing that others around the world are observing the same rituals at the same time.

The Impact of Ramadan on Muslims

Ramadan has a deep impact on Muslims both spiritually and socially. Spiritually, fasting teaches patience, self-discipline, and gratitude. By experiencing hunger and thirst, Muslims are reminded of the struggles faced by people who live in poverty, which encourages empathy and compassion.

Socially, Ramadan encourages generosity and kindness. Many people donate to charity, share meals with neighbors, and support those in need. Communities often organize charity drives and communal iftars, helping to strengthen relationships and promote social solidarity. Because millions of Muslims participate in these acts of worship and kindness simultaneously, the month creates a powerful atmosphere of unity and shared purpose.

Lessons from the Unity of Ramadan

The unity seen during Ramadan offers important lessons for Muslims and society in general. One key lesson is the importance of compassion and generosity. The spirit of helping others during Ramadan reminds people that communities become stronger when individuals care for one another.

Another lesson is the value of collective identity. Despite differences in language, culture, and nationality, Muslims come together through shared beliefs and practices. This demonstrates how common values can unite people across borders. Moreover, Ramadan highlights the importance of reflection and personal growth. It encourages individuals to improve their behavior, strengthen relationships, and focus on what truly matters in life.

In conclusion, Ramadan is not only a month of fasting and worship but also a powerful symbol of unity for Muslims around the world. Through shared practices such as fasting, communal prayers, and charity, Muslims develop a strong sense of belonging to a global community. The lessons of compassion, generosity, and unity that emerge during Ramadan serve as reminders of the values that can bring people together beyond cultural and geographical boundaries

Reference 

Kabir, R., & Rabby, F. (2025). Factors affecting social bonding at Ramadan in the Muslim community: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Islamic and Social Studies (JISS), 122–139. https://doi.org/10.30762/jiss.v3i2.3319

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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Hari Musik Nasional: Menjaga Bunyi yang Hampir Hilang dari Aceh

EMKP

Tercatat dua tahun terakhir (2024-2026), dosen Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII, Muzayin Nazaruddin, meraih grant dari British Museum untuk melakukan riset dan dokumentasi. Projek bertajuk Endangered Material Knowledge Program (EMKP) fokus terhadap alat musik yang hampir punah di Aceh yakni Canang Ceureukeh dan Alee Tunjang.

Tak sekedar hiburan, Canang Ceureukeh dan Alee Tunjang merupakan adalah alat musik tradisional yang menjadi bagian kehidupan sosial dan pengetahuan masyarakat Aceh Utara. Sayangnya nasib kedua alat musik ini terancam keberlanjutannya, sosok yang merawat tradisi ini adalah Utoh Amad. Maestro dari Desa Paya Teungoh merupakan satu-satunya yang masih memproduksi dan memainkan alat musik ini.

“Tradisi memainkan alat musik ini mulai tidak dilakukan ketika Aceh mengalami konflik panjang. Selepas konflik, tradisi ini tidak pernah dilakukan lagi karena para petani sudah menggunakan teknologi modern untuk proses penanaman dan pemanenan padi,” ucap Muzayin Nazaruddin.

Ketika praktik-praktik budaya perlahan ditinggalkan, musik yang menyertainya pun terancam hilang dan tenggelam. Refleksi terkait hari Musik nasional 9 Maret, menjadi momentum untuk merayakan perjalanan musik dan budaya sekaligus pengingat nasib musik tradisional yang perlahan kehilangan ruangnya.

Situasi ini terjadi di Aceh, perubahan sosial, modernisasi, hingga berkurangnya generasi penerus membuat praktiknya semakin jarang dijumpai. Upaya menjaga ingatan itu dilakukan oleh Muzayin Nazaruddin bersama tim, didukung oleh British Museum kerja-kerja dokumentasi berbagai pengetahuan dan budaya terancam punah dilakukan. Dokumentasi ini tidak hanya merekam bunyi dan pertunjukan, tetapi juga mencatat cerita, makna hingga konteks sosial.

Ketika alat musik ini berhenti dipraktikkan, yang hilang bukan hanya bunyi musiknya, tetapi juga tradisi. Sehingga pengetahuan, nilai, dan identitas budaya memudar dan tak bisa diwariskan. Dokumentasi adalah cara mengawetkan pengetahuan, tersimpan rapi dan dapat dipelajari di masa depan.

Hari Musik Nasional dapat dimaknai secara luas, tak hanya merayakan musik yang tengah populer, tetapi juga memberi perhatian pada musik-musik yang perlahan menghilang. Merayakan musik berarti juga menjaga ingatan tentang asal-usulnya.

Selengkapnya: https://communication.uii.ac.id/dosen-prodi-ilmu-komunikasi-terima-grant-riset-dari-british-museum/

https://www.emkp.org/documenting-the-endangered-pet-uno-canang-ceureukeh-and-alee-tunjang-as-indigenous-forest-and-agriculture-rituals-in-aceh-indonesia/

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The Role of Language in Shaping Cultural Identity

The Role of Language in Shaping Cultural Identity

Language and cultural identity are deeply interconnected aspects of human existence. Language can be defined as a system of communication that allows individuals to express thoughts, emotions, and ideas through spoken or written forms. Cultural identity, on the other hand, refers to a person’s sense of belonging to a particular group that shares common traditions, values, beliefs, and practices. The connection between language and cultural identity lies in the fact that language serves not only as a communication tool but also as a carrier of culture. Through language, traditions are transmitted, histories are preserved, and shared meanings are constructed. Therefore, language plays a crucial role in shaping how individuals perceive themselves and how they are recognized within society.

Language shapes cultural identity by preserving cultural heritage and reinforcing a sense of belonging. Every language contains unique expressions and concepts that reflect the worldview of its speakers. For example, certain cultural values and social norms are embedded in everyday speech, such as forms of respect, kinship terms, and greetings. These linguistic features influence how individuals think, behave, and interact within their communities. Moreover, language acts as a marker of identity. The way people speak, including their accent, dialect, or choice of words, often signals their cultural background. Through language, individuals connect with their community and maintain shared traditions. When people use their native language, they reaffirm their cultural roots and strengthen intergenerational bonds. Thus, language does not merely describe culture; it actively shapes and maintains it.

 It’s Positive and Negative Impacts

The role of language in shaping cultural identity brings both positive and negative impacts. On the positive side, language fosters unity and solidarity within a community. It strengthens cultural pride and enables the preservation of traditions and collective memory. For minority communities, maintaining their native language can serve as a powerful tool of resistance against cultural assimilation. Additionally, multilingual individuals often develop broader cultural awareness and adaptability, allowing them to navigate different cultural environments more effectively. However, language can also create barriers. Linguistic differences may lead to misunderstanding, discrimination, or social exclusion. In multicultural societies, speakers of minority languages sometimes face marginalization if their language is considered less dominant or less prestigious. Furthermore, globalization and the dominance of international languages can threaten local languages, leading to language loss and, consequently, the erosion of cultural identity. When a language disappears, valuable cultural knowledge and heritage may also vanish.

It’s a Complex Dynamic in a Communication Context

From a communication perspective, language shapes cultural identity through interaction and meaning-making. Communication is not simply the exchange of words but the process of constructing shared understanding. Language influences how messages are framed, interpreted, and responded to within specific cultural contexts. For example, in Indonesia, the use of different speech levels in Javanese reflects social hierarchy and respect. Choosing the appropriate level of language when speaking to elders or authority figures is not only a linguistic choice but also a cultural practice that reinforces identity and social values. Similarly, international students studying abroad may experience shifts in their cultural identity as they adapt to using a second language in academic and social settings. By communicating in another language, they may adopt new expressions, perspectives, and behaviors while still maintaining elements of their original cultural identity. This demonstrates that language shapes identity dynamically through everyday communication practices.

Language plays a fundamental role in shaping cultural identity. It serves as a medium for preserving heritage, expressing values, and fostering a sense of belonging. While language can promote unity, cultural pride, and intercultural competence, it can also create barriers and contribute to cultural erosion when minority languages are marginalized. Therefore, understanding the relationship between language and cultural identity is essential in appreciating cultural diversity and promoting mutual respect in an increasingly interconnected world.

Reference

Parajuli, B. (2021). Role of language in shaping cultural identity. Marsyangdi Journal, 112–118. https://doi.org/10.3126/mj.v2i1.39970

 View of LANGUAGE AND IDENTITY: HOW LANGUAGE SHAPES WHO WE ARE. (n.d.). https://nauchnyimpuls.org/index.php/obrazovaniya/article/view/1101/797

 View of THE ROLE OF LANGUAGE IN SHAPING CULTURAL IDENTITY. (n.d.). https://mentaljournal-jspu.uz/index.php/mesmj/article/view/926/938

Erimbetova Shakhzada Abatbaevna (2025). THE ROLE OF LANGUAGE IN SHAPING CULTURAL IDENTITY. Eurasian Journal of Academic Research, 5 (3), 61-64. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.15049069

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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Buku ‘Aku Klik Maka Aku Ada’, Deskripsi Manusia menjadi Otomatis dan Dangkal tanpa Refleksi

Aku Klik Maka Aku Ada: Manusia dalam Revolusi Digital

Buku berjudul Aku Klik Maka Aku Ada: Manusia dalam Revolusi Digital yang ditulis oleh F. Budi Hardiman secara umum menyoal bagaimana klik mampu merampas kebebasan kita. Buku ini juga mempertanyakan siapakah manusia di era digital? Sementara kebenaran menjadi bias di media sosial. Bahkan, dengan klik manusia menjadi otomatis, dangkal, dan tanpa refleksi.

Dosen Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII, Khumaid Akhyat Sulkhan, membedah salah satu chapter menarik dalam buku ini. Chapter itu menyebut tindakan jahat tidak selalu lahir dari niat jahat. Konsep banalitas dari Hannah Arendt menggambarkan perkembangan komunikasi digital yang tak sekadar mengubah cara manusia berinteraksi, tetapi juga menggeser struktur moral dan tindakan. Tindakan menghina, menyebarkan hoaks, mengetik ujaran kebencian seolah ringan lewat klik, like, dan share, dan prosesnya tanpa melibatkan emosi secara langsung. Inilah yang disebut kejahatan hasil dari rutinitas ketidakberpikiran.

“Banjir informasi bikin kita jadi kurang reflektif ketika mengonsumsi apa-apa di media sosial dan itu bisa membuat kita jatuh dalam kondisi ketidakberpikiran,” ucap Khumaid Akhyat Sulkhan, dosen Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII.

Di ruang digital, manusia kehilangan “bobot korporeal”, yakni pengalaman moral yang biasanya muncul saat interaksi langsung dengan orang lain. Scrolling dan mengetik untuk berbincang dapat dilakukan kapan pun dan di mana pun. Kondisi ini menimbulkan minimnya refleksi. Sehingga seseorang dapat bertindak tanpa mempertimbangkan konsekuensi etis.

Fenomena itu diperkuat oleh tiga mekanisme utama, yakni rutinitas digital, ketidakberpikiran reflektif dan sistem komunikasi. Ketiganya menciptakan lingkungan yang bias antara tindakan sengaja dan tidak sengaja. Ketika seseorang menyebarkan konten hoaks, bisa jadi bukan karena niat jahat, melainkan karena mengikuti arus informasi. Tekanan digital berperan besar, menurut Stanley Milgram orang yang melawan otoritas tidak selalu autentik, seperti percakapan yang terjadi di grup WhatsApp.

Gagasan lain dari Lozowick melihat bahwa kejahatan adalah proses yang bertahap seperti karier: seseorang perlahan berlatih dan menjadi mahir. Perpektif kejahatan memperlihatkan bahwa kejahatan digital merupakan produk struktur maupun hasil eskalasi niat seseorang.

Artinya, bukan isi pesan yang bahaya dalam dunia digital melainkan mekanisme yang membuat manusia bertindak cepat, otomatis, dan minim refleksi. Tantangannya tak sekedar mengontrol konten namun membangun kesadaran moral di budaya klik instan.

Penulis: Meigitaria Sanita

Meigitaria Sanita
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The Influence of News Coverage on Public Understanding of Climate Change

The Influence of News Coverage on Public Understanding of Climate Change

Climate change refers to long-term changes in global temperature and weather patterns, largely caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, industrial production, and deforestation. Scientific research has shown that rising greenhouse gas emissions are contributing to global warming, extreme weather events, melting ice caps, and rising sea levels. These environmental changes affect ecosystems, economies, and human health worldwide. Despite the seriousness of the issue, most people do not experience climate change directly in their daily lives. Instead, they learn about it through various forms of media, especially news coverage. For this reason, the way climate change is reported plays an important role in shaping public understanding of the issue.

News media influence public understanding by selecting which aspects of climate change to highlight and how to present them. Since audiences cannot access all scientific data themselves, they rely on journalists and media organizations to interpret complex information. The language used in news reports, the sources quoted, and the context provided all contribute to how people interpret climate change. For example, when news stories emphasize scientific evidence and present climate change as an urgent environmental problem, audiences are more likely to view it as serious and credible. On the other hand, when the media frames the issue as a political debate or presents it as controversial, public understanding may become divided or uncertain. Therefore, media framing plays a central role in shaping how climate change is perceived.

In addition to shaping interpretation, news coverage also influences the level of public attention given to climate change. Media organizations decide which topics receive frequent coverage and which are less visible. When climate change is consistently reported in headlines, special reports, or international events, public awareness tends to increase. However, when coverage decreases, public attention often declines as well. This pattern shows that the media has the power to guide what issues people think about. Although the media does not directly control individual opinions, it strongly influences which topics are considered important in public discussion.

Another important factor is the influence of political leaders and public figures on media coverage. News reports often include statements from government officials, policymakers, and experts. These elite voices can shape how audiences interpret climate change. When political leaders express concern and support for climate action, public concern may increase. In contrast, when leaders question scientific findings or minimize the issue, public understanding may weaken. Because the media frequently amplifies these voices, it becomes a channel through which political messages reach the public. As a result, media coverage can indirectly affect public opinion by choosing which voices to highlight.

Media coverage of major climate-related events, such as international climate conferences or natural disasters, can also temporarily increase public engagement. During these moments, news attention intensifies, and discussions about climate change become more visible. However, this attention is often short-term. Once the event passes and media focus shifts to other issues, public interest may decline. This rise and fall of attention suggests that public understanding of climate change is closely connected to the level of media coverage. Without consistent reporting, long-term engagement may be difficult to maintain.

Beyond informing the public, the media also play a broader social role. It acts as a bridge between scientists, policymakers, and citizens. Scientific research on climate change can be complex and technical, making it difficult for non-experts to understand. Journalists help translate this information into accessible language, allowing the public to engage with environmental issues. At the same time, the media contributes to democratic discussion by providing a platform for debate and policy discussion. In this way, news coverage not only spreads information but also shapes how climate change is discussed in society.

In conclusion, news coverage has a significant influence on public understanding of climate change. It shapes how the issue is framed, determines the level of public attention, and amplifies certain political and expert voices. Because most people rely on the media as their primary source of information about climate change, responsible and consistent reporting is essential. When media coverage is accurate, clear, and sustained, it can improve public understanding and encourage informed discussion. Therefore, the role of news media remains central in shaping how society understands and responds to climate change.

Reference:

Schwarz, Susan. (2009). Changing climate, changing minds; applying the literature on media effects, public opinion, and the issue-attention cycle to increase public understanding of climate change. Int J Sustain Commun 4:45-63. 

Carmichael, J. T., & Brulle, R. J. (2016). Elite cues, media coverage, and public concern: an integrated path analysis of public opinion on climate change, 2001–2013. Environmental Politics, 26(2), 232–252. https://doi.org/10.1080/09644016.2016.1263433 Wonneberger, A., 

Meijers, M. H. C., & Schuck, A. R. T. (2019). Shifting public engagement: How media coverage of climate change conferences affects climate change audience segments. Public Understanding of Science, 29(2), 176–193. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963662519886474

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

Meigitaria Sanita
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AI, Meaning, and Culture: When Semiotics Meets Algorithms

AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) selalu dianggap sebagai teknologi revolusioner. Menariknya, AI telah diprediksi puluhan tahun lalu oleh teori budaya. Pernyataan ini dibedah dalam International Seminar “Contesting (New) Meanings: AI and Creative Industries” oleh Prof. Kristian Bankov pada 13 Februari 2026 di Gedung RAV Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII.

Profesor dari New Bulgarian University itu menyebutkan bahwa kecerdasan buatan modern mencerminkan cara makna selalu bekerja dalam budaya. Dipertegas dengan teori Umberto Eco, seminar ini memaparkan budaya, bahasa, dan kecerdasan buatan semuanya beroperasi melalui jaringan yang dinamis.

Umberto Eco menantang model strukturalis tentang makna, lalu mengusulkan budaya sebagai ensiklopedia. Sistem semantic luas, tanda-tanda memperoleh makna lewat koneksi dengan tanda lain.

“We could consider every cultural unit as emitting given wave-lengths which put it in tune with a limited number of other units and the possibilities of attraction or repulsion change in time,” ucap Kristian Bankov.

Pernyataan tersebut selaras dengan model bahasa AI modern, bukan menghafal makna melainkan menghubungkan statistik kata-kata. “This cycle repeats billions of times, sculpting the landscape into a form that captures grammar, semantics, world knowledge, and reasoning patterns,” tambahnya.

AI tidak menghimpun dan menyimpan bahasa layaknya kamus; AI memetakan bahasa seperti jaringan. Kata-kata berada dalam ruang dimensi tinggi; maknanya muncul dari kedekatan dan konteks. Gagasan Umberto Eco mempercayai bahwa makna bersifat rasional dan dinamis.

Dalam industri kreatif, AI terintegrasi dalam banyak hal, misalnya produksi film, iklan, penciptaan karya tulis, hingga desain grafis. Kristian Bankov menyebutnya sistem generative mendefinisikan sebagai teknologi. “Learn patterns from data and produce content based on those patterns,” ucapnya.

Kreativitas AI berbeda dengan kreativitas manusia, imajinasi manusia bergantung pada pengalaman hidup, emosi, dan persepsi subjektif. Sebaliknya, AI menghasilkan keunikan lewat pola data yang besar. Hasilnya, AI tak menggantikan manusia melainkan partner kolaborasi, kreativitas yang dibantu AI menggabungkan komputasi dengan revisi manusia.

“Restoring a proper balance between the cultural realm and the commercial realm is likely to be one of the most important challenges of the coming Age of Access,” tambahnya.

Kristian Bankov memberikan saran kepada mahasiswa untuk tetap bertanggung jawab dalam menggunakan AI. Meningkatkan literasi adalah inti di era modern. AI bukanlah jalan pintas, hasilnya akan mendalam ketika mahasiswa berinteraksi lewat informasi, bukan hanya pasif. Di tingkat tertentu AI dapat digunakan untuk kritik, simulasi, dan desain penelitian. Selain itu, mahasiswa perlu melakukan verifikasi atas pertanyaan dan jawaban.

“Students should use AI flexibly and responsibly as a supportive learning partner for exam preparation, creativity, and skill development by applying it according to their knowledge level, verifying its outputs, and using it to strengthen understanding rather than just memorization,” tandasnya.

Penulis: Meigitaria Sanita

Meigitaria Sanita
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Visiting Professor: Prof. Kristian Bankov dari New Bulgarian University Bimbing Dosen dan Mahasiswa Mikom UII

Visiting Professor: Prof. Kristian Bankov dari New Bulgarian University Bimbing Dosen dan Mahasiswa Mikom UII

Visiting professor kali ini menghadirkan Prof. Kristian Bankov dari New Bulgarian University pada 12 Februari 2026 di Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII. Kedatangannya menjadi momen akademik yang penuh insight bagi para dosen dan mahasiswa Magister Ilmu Komunikasi (MIKOM) UII, pasalnya sesi ini merupakan mentorship programme untuk rencana riset yang tengah dilakukan civitas akademika di lingkungan institusi.

Berbagai topik riset dikonsultasikan, mulai dari isu gender dan feminisme hingga narasi kontra-Islam di negara Barat. Bankov memberikan feedback langsung dalam sesi ini. Dimulai dengan riset representasi media terhadap aktivisme lingkungan perempuan yang tengah digarap oleh salah satu dosen, yakni Lutviah, S.I.Kom., M.A.

Bankov memberikan respons yang fokus terhadap perubahan sosial yang secara signifikan mesti dilakukan secara kolaboratif antara organisasi nonpemerintah (NGO) dengan akademisi. NGO dianggap memiliki pengetahuan mendalam terhadap praktik lapangan lewat komunikasi publik, advokasi, dan evaluasi.

Pernyataan bahwa diskriminasi gender menjadi masalah yang meluas, meskipun feminis telah mengkritik struktur kekuasaan dan menekankan kesetaraan hukum. Fokus akademisi adalah mengupayakan gagasan tersebut menjadi upaya yang memberi dampak yang lebih kuat daru teori dengan berbasis bukti.

“Gender discrimination remains widespread, and while strands of American feminism—from liberal to radical—have challenged it, a stronger impact can be achieved by combining rigorous scientific research with interdisciplinary PhD study and NGO-driven community instruments in communication, advocacy, and program evaluation to generate scalable, evidence-based solutions,” Bankov said.

Topik selanjutnya datang dari mahasiswa MIKOM, yakni Muhammad Taqi Abdurahman. Ia berencana melakukan riset tentang narasi dan algoritma kontra terhadap Islam. Merespon topik tersebut, Bankov menekankan persepsi Barat terhadap Islam tidak statis, ada yang positif, netral, dan negative. Semua berubah seiring perkembangan sosial, politik, dan media. Meski demikian, ada beberapa upaya menuju pemahaman seimbang.

“Western perceptions of Islam are complex and evolving, shaped by diverse voices, social media influence, and political movements—especially populist agendas that sometimes use Islamic issues for political purposes—while many parts of European and American society increasingly support multiculturalism, integration, and a more balanced understanding,” jelas Bankov.

Dalam melakukan riset ini, Bankov menyarankan agar pendekatan dilakukan secara berimbang dan bertanggung jawab. Hal ini dilakukan untuk mencegah pemanfaatan isu Islam untuk kepentingan politik, mengurangi stereotip negatif, dan membangun pemahaman publik yang lebih toleran.

“Discussions about Islam in Western societies should be approached with balance, media literacy, intercultural dialogue, and inclusive policies to prevent political manipulation, reduce stereotypes, and encourage a more informed and tolerant public understanding,” ucap Bankov memberikan saran.

Penulis: Meigitaria Sanita