Tag Archive for: Social media

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What Professors Think: The Changing Authority of Media in the Digital Era

What Professors Think: The Changing Authority of Media in the Digital Era

The way people access and consume news is constantly evolving, partly due to the development of digital technology. A report published by the IDN Research Institute in 2025 states that 47% of the audience consumes news via social media. This marks a shift in the role of conventional media, as audiences are beginning to rely on digital platforms to meet their daily information needs.

In the “What Professors Think” interview session with Prof. Nurhaya Muchtar from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, she explained this through two perspectives: positive and negative. On the positive side, the significant use of social media is a sign that the public is becoming increasingly information-literate; they understand the importance of news and information.

With adequate internet connectivity, the public remains connected to current events, wherever and whenever. “This change is unavoidable because it’s so convenient everyone has a mobile phone, everyone has access to social media,” she stated.

Meanwhile, from a negative perspective, Prof. Nurhaya Muchtar emphasised that the digital space carries complex risks, particularly regarding disinformation. On social media, information spreads unchecked or rapidly without verification. Consequently, this leads to fake news and deepfake content that is difficult to identify. This situation highlights that the speed of digital communication outweighs the accuracy of information.

“The downside is that people take everything online as true because there is so much fake news and so many deepfakes being circulated,” she explained.

Another issue is that audiences often fail to pay attention to the original source. Social media can indeed serve as an effective channel for journalism if users consistently verify information from credible sources or institutions. “As long as they check the sources, even if they find the information on social media, that’s fine,” said Prof. Nurhaya Muchtar.

Unfortunately, problems arise when someone consumes information and shares it without checking the source’s credibility. Not all audiences pay attention to verification markers such as the blue tick on social media. According to her, audience trust is influenced by personal relationships or social networks. For example, content or news shared by friends, family members, or figures they already trust.

“One of the factors that makes people trust social media is if they see the story was shared by their own friend, their own circle,” she noted.

Credibility in the digital age is shaped by social validation rather than institutional authority. “Whoever sent it to them via social media makes them believe it’s worth sharing and that it might be correct,” she emphasised.

Overall, the digital age has transformed the role of the media, not only acting as a gatekeeper of information but also turning the audience into a participatory information ecosystem. Consequently, improving media literacy and critical thinking are key skills, so that the audience can identify disinformation and deepfakes.

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The Influence of Social Media on Political Discourse

The Influence of Social Media on Political Discourse

In the digital era, social media has become one of the most influential platforms shaping political discourse and public opinion. Platforms such as Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok allow citizens to access political information instantly, express opinions freely, and participate in political discussions beyond traditional media boundaries. While social media strengthens democratic participation by enabling open dialogue, it also introduces challenges such as political polarization, misinformation, echo chambers, and legal issues. This article aims to examine how social media influences political discourses.

Social media significantly influences political discourse by changing how political messages are created, distributed, and consumed. Unlike traditional media, social media allows two-way communication, where users are not only passive audiences but also active content producers. Moreover, social media encourages rapid political engagement by enabling users to comment, share, and react to political content in real time. This participatory nature amplifies political narratives and allows diverse voices to enter public discussions. Additionally, in the context of Indonesia, the most recent mass demonstrations illustrate how social media enabled nationwide participation and solidarity around a single political issue, as citizens from different regions used platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to share information, mobilize support, and engage in online advocacy even if they were unable to attend the protests physically.

As well as, social media algorithms prioritize engaging content, often promoting emotionally charged political messages. As a result, political discourse becomes more dynamic but also more fragmented, as users are exposed to selective information aligned with their interests and beliefs.

The Impact of Social Media Influence on Political Discourse

The influence of social media has a profound impact on political discourse and public opinion. One major impact is political polarization, where individuals increasingly align with extreme viewpoints due to repeated exposure to similar opinions within echo chambers. It is known that algorithm-driven content curation limits exposure to opposing perspectives, reinforcing ideological divisions. In Indonesia, the impact of social media on political discourse is also closely linked to legal and ethical concerns, particularly UU ITE. While UU ITE aims to regulate online expression and prevent hate speech and misinformation, it has sparked debates about freedom of speech and digital democracy. Furthermore, the rapid spread of political content on social media can shape public opinion quickly, sometimes without sufficient fact-checking, increasing the risk of misinformation and public distrust.

The Role of Communication in Digital Political Discourse

Communication plays a crucial role in shaping how political messages are interpreted and understood in the digital sphere. Effective political communication requires clarity, ethical responsibility, and media literacy to ensure that information shared on social media contributes positively to public discourse. Communication strategies in social media must consider audience diversity, cultural context, and the persuasive power of digital narratives. Moreover, communication scholars emphasize the importance of critical thinking and dialogic communication to counter polarization and echo chambers. By encouraging open dialogue and respectful discussion, communication can function as a bridge that connects differing political perspectives and promotes democratic values in online spaces.

Social media has become a powerful force in shaping political discourse and public opinion in the contemporary era. While it enhances political participation and accessibility of information, it also contributes to challenges such as polarization, echo chambers, and legal tensions related to digital expression. The influence of social media on political discourse cannot be separated from the role of communication, which determines whether political interactions foster understanding or division. Therefore, strengthening ethical communication practices, media literacy, and inclusive dialogue is essential to ensure that social media serves as a constructive platform for democratic political discourse rather than a source of conflict and misinformation.

Reference

Afyare, A. a. A. (2025, February 19). The influence of social media on political discourse and public opinion. https://socialscienceresearch.org/index.php/GJHSS/article/view/104299

Saputra, A. F. (2024, June 30). The role of social media in building political discourse: Political Polarization, UU ITE and echo chambers. Saputra | IJTIHAD. https://journals.fasya.uinib.org/index.php/ijtihad/article/view/548

The Impact of social media on Political Discourse: A Multidisciplinary analysis. (2024). SSRN, 19. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4922479

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

Meigitaria Sanita
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ACSS 2025: Promoting Global Solidarity through Media and Communication

ACSS

The Academic Skills Study (ACSS) 2025 took the theme of Promoting Global Solidarity through Media and Communication. This agenda was held on September 26, 2025, at the Soekiman Wirosandjojo Auditorium Building, 3rd Floor, UII. This programme was a form of welcome for Students of IPC batch 2025.

Given the current unfavourable global conditions, this theme was chosen due to the ongoing global challenges, including natural disasters, climate change, social injustice, armed conflicts, and wars. These challenges have triggered inequality and division, necessitating global solidarity.

As Communication Science students, IPC students are invited to understand the role of media and communication in several contexts. These contexts include how media and communication shape narratives and build intercultural understanding. Second, promoting unity, inclusion, and empathy. Third, informing, inspiring, and driving positive action at the national and international levels.

The Head of the Communication Science Study Programme at UII, Dr. Zaki Habibi, M.Comms., had the opportunity to welcome new IPC UII students. He advised that this agenda was created to prepare students for their four-year study journey ahead.

“Pop up to your academic transcript, it is quite important for you to get ready with the skills and requirements needed for your future,” he said.

From the speech given by Dr. Zaki Habibi, several messages of hope for students of IPC batch 2025 included having a strong sense of togetherness and a clear direction in campus life, having a positive commitment to the world, and being able to use communication as a force for good in a global context.

To support all of this, the ACSS 2025 programme was carefully designed. Several workshops were conducted with the active involvement of students. These workshops included Promoting Global Solidarity through Creative Writing with facilitator Nadia Wasta Utami, S.I.Kom., M.A., who has experience in various campaigns, especially for all of UII’s official social media accounts.

Next was the Introduction to Academic Writing workshop by Iwan Awaluddin Yusuf, Ph.D. In this session, students were invited to understand something interesting and potentially worthy of academic writing. This was followed by a sharing session with IPC batch 2020 alumna Arsila Khairunnisa, S.I.Kom. She is the top graduate of 2024 with a GPA of 4.00, and she shared her experience in public speaking to inspire others. Finally, there was a motivational and mental preparation session entitled From High School to Higher Education: Developing Resilience in a Changing World by Wanadya Ayu Krishna Dewi, S.Psi., M.A., a lecturer and psychologist from the Faculty of Psychology at UII.

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Language in the Digital Age

language

The rapid advancement of technology has fundamentally reshaped how humans communicate. In the digital age, the integration of smartphones, social media, and instant messaging platforms has not only expanded communication channels but also accelerated language change itself. Scholars have increasingly focused on understanding how digital communication affects linguistic structures, communication patterns, and sociolinguistic dynamics.

This article examines the impact of digital media on linguistic simplification, the evolution of communication patterns, and the emergence of new sociolinguistic norms within global communities.

Linguistic Simplification and Creativity in Digital Spaces

One of the most visible impacts of digital communication on language is the trend toward linguistic simplification. Social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok foster shortened expressions through abbreviations, acronyms, and phonetic spellings, often motivated by character limits and the desire for speed. Terms like “LOL” and “OMG” have not only infiltrated casual conversation but also appear increasingly in professional and academic environments.

The global nature of digital platforms further enhances this trend, with similar simplifications observed across languages, such as Spanish and French speakers adapting their forms of phonetic spelling. Additionally, the inclusion of emojis and visual symbols enriches text-based communication, compensating for the absence of non-verbal cues and adding emotional nuance. Digital platforms thus serve as both catalysts of linguistic economy and spaces for creative expression, blurring the boundaries between written and visual language forms.

Transformation of Communication Patterns

Beyond language structure, digital technologies have revolutionized how individuals interact. Social media platforms and instant messaging applications enable real-time, asynchronous, and mass communication, replacing many face-to-face interactions. The formation of online communities around shared interests fosters new communication patterns and linguistic norms, where digital-specific terms like “hashtag” or “retweet” signify not only technology but culture.

Digital environments prioritize brevity and responsiveness, shifting communication toward short-form exchanges that prioritize speed over depth. However, these transformations are not without drawbacks. Online interactions often lack the subtle cues of tone and body language, leading to increased potential for miscommunication. Moreover, the prevalence of echo chambers and algorithmic filtering can narrow linguistic diversity and limit exposure to varied discourse. Nevertheless, digital platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for global discourse and the formation of transnational communication networks.

Sociolinguistic Dynamics and Identity in Digital Spaces

In the digital age, language is a tool for both social belonging and identity construction. Online spaces enable code-switching, hybrid language use, and even the preservation of minority languages, contributing to dynamic sociolinguistic landscapes. Digital communities develop their linguistic norms, fostering inclusivity for some users while marginalizing others due to digital divides or lack of technological access. For multilingual users, the flexibility of switching languages within a single post has become common, reflecting fluid cultural identities.

Influencers and viral content creators further act as agents of linguistic change, popularizing new words and phrases that transcend geographic boundaries. This phenomenon positions social media as a powerful force in shaping both mainstream and subcultural linguistic norms. However, the risks of linguistic homogenization and the dominance of global languages like English highlight the need for continuous monitoring of how digital platforms affect linguistic diversity and cultural representation.

In conclusion, language in the digital age is characterized by simplification, innovation, and adaptability. Social media and digital technologies have not only accelerated the pace of language evolution but also diversified the ways humans express identity and communicate across cultural boundaries. The interplay between linguistic economy, creative expression, and new communication patterns underscores the role of technology in redefining both language structure and sociolinguistic norms. As digital media continues to evolve, its influence on language use and global communication will remain a critical area of research, with implications for education, cultural preservation, and societal interaction.

References

Gershon Kofi Ladzekpo. (2023, December 19). Language and Communication in the Digital Age: The Study of How New Technologies and Digital Media are Affecting Language Use, Communication Patterns, and Sociolinguistic Dynamics. Journal of Literature and Linguistics Studies. file:///C:/Users/ASUS/Downloads/Paper+TEMPLATE+Language+and+Communication+in+the+Digital+Age+The+Study+of+How+New+Technologies+and+Digital+Media+are+Affecting+Language+Use,+Communication+Patterns,+and+Sociolinguistic+Dynamics+(2)%20(1).pdf

Lilis Lamsehat Panjaitan1 and Aditya Nur Patria. (2024, December 06). Social Media and Language Evolution: The Impact of Digital Communication on Language Change. International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation. file:///C:/Users/ASUS/Downloads/589737-social-media-and-language-evolution-the-f648e1c9.pdf

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

Meigitaria Sanita
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The Rise of Digital Intimacy: How Online Reactions Shape Modern Relationships

The Rise of Digital Intimacy: How Online Reactions Shape Modern Relationships

In today’s fast-paced digital world, intimacy no longer depends solely on face-to-face conversations or physical closeness. Instead, people now experience and express connection through screens which is a concept known as digital intimacy. Whether it’s liking a photo, replying to a story, or sending an emoji reaction, these small online gestures often carry deep emotional meaning. With the rise of social media platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok, digital intimacy is shaping how people form and maintain relationships in everyday life.

Digital intimacy refers to the closeness and emotional connection people build and feel through digital platforms. Unlike traditional intimacy, which often requires physical presence, digital intimacy can happen instantly across distances. Friends, couples, and even strangers can exchange support, affection, or humor through messages, comments, and reactions. Communication in this context becomes short, fast, and emotionally loaded even a heart emoji or a laughing response can create a sense of being seen, valued, and emotionally connected.

Communication Characteristics and Behavior

The communication in digital intimacy is often asynchronous, visual, and symbolic. People may not speak in full sentences but use images, GIFs, emojis, and voice notes to convey feelings. This non-verbal communication is quick, easy to understand, and emotionally expressive.

Behaviors often seen in digital intimacy include:

  • Regular interaction (likes, replies, shares)
  • Private messages after public engagement (like replying to a story)
  • Sending voice notes or videos to share moments
  • Checking each other’s online presence or last seen

These behaviors reflect a growing comfort in building emotional closeness without physical interaction.

Fast Reactions and Their Role in Building Intimacy

One of the most effective tools in digital intimacy today is the fast reaction feature, like emoji responses to Instagram Stories. These instant reactions allow users to express feelings within seconds, without needing to type a message. This low-effort but high-impact communication makes it easier to maintain consistent contact.

For example:

  • A quick heart-eye emoji on someone’s selfie communicates admiration or affection.
  • A fire emoji can signal excitement or praise.
  • Even a laughing emoji can strengthen a bond by showing shared humor.

These reactions, though simple, often maintain an emotional presence that lets others know “I’m here, I see you, I care,” without needing deep conversations every time.

Digital intimacy has transformed how people experience closeness in the modern world. Through fast, emotionally charged interactions — especially reactions like emojis — people stay connected in ways that feel personal and meaningful. While it may not replace traditional intimacy, digital intimacy offers a new layer of connection that fits the rhythm of digital life. As technology continues to evolve, so will the ways we express love, care, and friendship — often, one tap at a time.

References

Baym. (2015). Personal connections in the digital age. williamwolff. https://williamwolff.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/baym-ch1-2015.pdf

Daantje Derks Agneta H Fischer Arjan E R Bos. (2008, may 04). The role of emotion in computer-mediated communication: A review. ResearchGate. file:///Users/sekprodikomip/Downloads/The_role_of_emotion_in_computer-mediated_communica.pdf

Social networking sites and our lives. (2011, June 16). Internet & Technology. Retrieved July 7, 2025, from https://www.pewinternet.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/media/Files/Reports/2011/PIP-Social-networking-sites-and-our-lives.pdf

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

Meigitaria Sanita
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The Uses and Gratification Theory in Everyday Life

The Uses and Gratification Theory in Everyday Life

Communication theories help us understand how people interact through messages and media. They explain the reasons behind media use and its effects on audiences. One important theory in this field is the Uses and Gratifications Theory (U&G). This theory focuses on the idea that people are not just passive receivers of media but active users who choose media based on their needs.

The origins of U&G trace back to the 1940s, with early studies on radio listeners. However, it was further developed in the 1970s by Elihu Katz, Jay Blumler, and Michael Gurevitch. They aimed to understand why people use certain media instead of how media affects people. Later contributors like Herta Herzog and Wilbur Schramm added to the theory by studying media motivations and preferences in more detail.

How Does It Work? Understanding the Theory’s Framework

The core idea of U&G theory is that people use media to fulfill personal needs. These needs are diverse and vary from one individual to another. It also shows that people use media not just because it’s available, but because they expect it to give them something meaningful.

To understand how this theory works, it’s important to look at its five key assumptions:

  1. The audience is active :People are not passive receivers,and they choose media intentionally to meet specific goals.
  2. Media use is goal-directed : Viewers or users have reasons for selecting particular media content.
  3. Media competes with other sources of satisfaction :People can also meet their needs through friends, books, hobbies, not just media.
  4. Users understand and can explain their own media use :This means people are generally aware of what they want from media and why they use it.
  5. Cultural judgment is suspended : Instead of labeling media as “good” or “bad,” researchers focus on how individuals actually use and interpret it.

These assumptions shape the theory by emphasizing the audience’s role in the communication process. They highlight that media use is not accidental or random. Instead, people approach the media with a purpose, and this purpose is often shaped by their environment, mood, personality, and current situation. Alongside the assumptions, U&G outlines five categories of needs that explain why people use media:

  • Cognitive needs: the need to gain information and knowledge.
  • Affective needs: the need for emotional satisfaction or entertainment.
  • Personal integrative needs: the need to boost self-esteem and personal identity.
  • Social integrative needs: the desire to connect with others or be part of a group.
  • Tension-free needs: the need for escape and relaxation.

These needs influence media choice. For example, someone feeling lonely might scroll through Instagram (social integrative), while another stressed person might watch funny videos on YouTube to relax (tension-free).

Real-Life Examples

During the 2024 elections, many young people used TikTok not just for entertainment but to follow political updates. Some watched short videos to understand policies (cognitive needs), while others enjoyed humorous or emotional content related to politics (affective needs). Many users also posted their opinions to feel more confident and heard (personal integrative needs) and stayed connected through comments and trends (social integrative needs). For others, TikTok offered a fun escape from the stress of political debates (tension-free needs).

The Uses and Gratifications Theory is important because it shifts the focus from what media does to people to what people do with media. It reminds us that we actively participate in media use, driven by our personal needs and goals. This theory helps media creators and researchers better understand audiences and create content that meets real human desires.

References

Moses Sichach. (2023, November 17). Uses and Gratifications theory – Background, History and Limitations. SSRN, 1-11. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4729248

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The Rise Of Aesthetic Photography: Why People Love It?

Finding beauty in every frame: The art of capturing inspiring moments.

Aesthetic photography, the art of capturing visually pleasing images, has roots stretching back to the early days of photography in the 19th century. Early photographers, inspired by classical art, aimed to create compositions that went beyond documentation, reflecting beauty, harmony, and emotion.

The Pictorialism movement in the late 1800s emphasized this artistic approach, blending photography with fine art principles. Over time, as cameras became more accessible, aesthetic photography evolved into a medium for self-expression, leading to its widespread popularity today.

Aesthetic photography allows individuals to express themselves and find beauty in everyday life. The process of creating an image includes selecting the right lighting, angle, and subject. Sometimes it can be both meditative and creative for photographers. Many people are drawn to aesthetic photography because it offers a way to tell stories visually.

A single image has the ability to evoke emotions, nostalgia, or provide a sense of escape. For some, it’s about crafting a curated representation of their lives that aligns with their aspirations or personal brand. Additionally, aesthetic photos can be a source of pride and confidence. Sharing a visually pleasing image often brings validation through likes, comments, and shares, enhancing a sense of accomplishment.

What Sets Aesthetic Photography Apart From Other Types?

Unlike other types of photography, such as documentary or journalistic photography, aesthetic photography prioritizes beauty and emotional resonance over factual accuracy. Its focus is on creating an experience rather than just capturing a moment.Aesthetic photography often employs artistic techniques such as color grading, minimalism, and symmetry to create images that feel harmonious and captivating.

The subjects can range from simple objects like a cup of coffee to breathtaking landscapes, but the emphasis is always on presentation.This genre’s uniqueness lies in its adaptability as it blurs the lines between photography, art, and design, making it accessible to anyone willing to explore their creative instincts.

Social Media Influence on Aesthetic Photography

Instagram plays a crucial role in shaping contemporary aesthetic photography. Its “like” system serves as a measurable indicator of aesthetic appeal, as researched by Thömmes and Hübner. Their study analyzed 15,073 images across various genres, including architecture, dance, and landscape, and found a strong correlation between “likes” and users’ aesthetic preferences.

This system not only reflects public opinion but also influences creators by rewarding specific visual styles and compositions. As Instagram’s algorithms prioritize engagement, photographers adapt their styles to align with trends that attract more attention, creating a feedback loop. This dynamic highlights Instagram’s significant impact on the perception and production of beauty in photography.

Aesthetic photography helps people find beauty in everyday life and express their creativity in unique ways. By turning simple moments into art, it inspires us to see the world from a fresh perspective.

References:

[1] K. T. a. R. Hübner, ” Why People Press “Like”: A New Measure for Aesthetic Appeal Derived from instgram data,” p. 18, 2020.
[2] H. E. a. N. R. Robert, Britannica, 18 november 2024 . [Online]. Available: https://www.britannica.com/technology/photography/Perfecting-the-medium-c-1900-c-1945.

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

Meigitaria Sanita
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Why did TikTok Become Gen Z’s Search Engine?

Why did TikTok Become Gen Z’s Search Engine?

In recent years, the way people search for information has changed significantly. The rapid growth of social media platforms has transformed the search experience by offering quick, visual, and personalized content. Among these platforms, according to the Fix article TikTok has emerged as a go-to source for information, especially for Generation Z.

This generation prefers dynamic and interactive experiences over static ones, making TikTok more than just an entertainment platform for them. The days of relying solely on search engines like Google and libraries are slowly disappearing.

One of the primary reasons Gen Z prefers TikTok as a search engine is the vast variety of content it offers. Unlike traditional search engines that mainly provide text-based links, TikTok presents information in short-form video format, making it more personalized and engaging. This unique approach allows users to access multiple sources for their questions easily.

For Generation Z, who have grown up in the digital age, TikTok is a familiar and effective platform. The content available on TikTok covers a wide variety of topics, including tutorials, life hacks, and in-depth explorations of different interests. Users can find videos on everything from quick meal preparation and study tips to product reviews. TikTok’s algorithm curates personalized feeds, presenting users with content based on their previous interactions, which makes the information they encounter highly relevant and tailored to their interests.

Another reason TikTok works for Gen Z is the trust they place in its content. Many users feel a connection with creators who share relatable, real-life experiences. This authenticity makes TikTok seem more trustworthy than traditional sources, which often feel distant or impersonal. While misinformation is a concern, Gen Z often balances this by cross-checking facts or consulting multiple sources.

Rania is one of Gen z, she said that ‘She thinks that most of the gen z can’t stand reading for hours or watching long videos to get information, Tiktok provide really short videos which is good for people that can be distracted easily, also she read in an article that most of gen z suffer from shrinking attention span (Snow, 2023), that make them struggle to finish movies or the books they read overall TikTok is the only platform that catch their attention, and seems to be customized to their needs’’.

In conclusion, TikTok has changed the way Generation Z searches for information. Its fast-paced, engaging format, relatable creators, and authentic content make it an ideal platform for a generation that values speed, simplicity, and trust. As search habits continue to evolve, TikTok’s influence on how we consume information is undeniable.

References:

Marzano, E. (2024, 11 1). Retrieved from The Fix: https://thefix.media/2024/11/1/relatable-real-raw-tiktoks-power-in-news-for-gen-z

Snow, S. (2023, January 16). Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/shanesnow/2023/01/16/science-shows-humans-have-massive-capacity-for-sustained-attention-and-storytelling-unlocks-it/?sh=729b67281a38

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita