[Jurnal The Messenger] is a peer-reviewed journal, published by the Department of Communication, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication, Universitas Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia. [Jurnal The Messenger] is intended to the national and international scholarly community. The aim of this journal is to publish high-quality articles dedicated to all aspects of the lates outstanding developments in the field of communication. Articles published are the results of research, bringing the new sights (scope) on Cultural Studies, Integrated Marketing Communication, and Media. Meanwhile, submitted papers are evaluated by double blind peer review for contribution, originality and relevance. Starting from 2021, [Jurnal The Messenger] will publish three times (Regular Issues) a year (January-April, May-August, and September-December). It was first published in 2009. our scope: -). Cultural Studies: Representation Studies, Identity Studies, Minority Studies, Gender, Feminist Theory, Reception Studies, Popular Culture, Film Studies, Subcultures, Ideology, Hegemony, Texts and Readers. -). Integrated Marketing Communication: Public Relations, Corporate Communication, Crisis Communication, Advertising, Brand Value, Digital Branding, Direct Selling, Promotion, Interactive and Digital Marketing Communication Studies. -). Media: Memory and Media, Gender and Sexuality in the Media, Social Media, Media Globalization, Media Convergence, Media Literacy, Media Language, Media and Religion, Media and Technology. [Jurnal The Messenger] is indexed at Science and Technology Index (SINTA), Directory of Open Access Scholarly Resources (ROAD), Digital Object Identifier (DOI) prefix 10.26623 registered by Crossref, Dimensions, Index Copernicus International, Google Scholar, Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (BASE), Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) Worldcat, GARUDA: Garba Rujukan Digital, and Scilit--Scientific Literature. [Jurnal The Messenger] has been accredited by the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education of the Republic of Indonesia (RISTEKDIKTI), No. 30/E/KPT/2019 (Nov. 11, 2019) as Ranking 2 (SINTA 2) OAI Address [Jurnal The Messenger] has OAI address : http://journals.usm.ac.id/index.php/the-messenger/oai Before submission, You have to make sure that your paper is prepared using the [Jurnal The Messenger] paper TEMPLATE, has been carefully proofread and polished, and conformed to the Author Guidelines. Online Submissions Already have a Username/Password for [Jurnal The Messenger]? GO TO LOGIN Need a Username/Password? GO TO REGISTRATION Registration and login are required to submit items online and to check the status of current submissions. P-ISSN: 2086-1559, E-ISSN: 2527-2810 It is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC–BY license).
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The Impact of Social Media on the Improvement of Mothers’ Awareness for Stunting Prevention
Purpose: This study aims to provide an empirical description of a) the relationship between mothers’ maternal behaviour and awareness to improve the nutritional status of their children and families and b) their behaviour of using social media (Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook) as the primary source of information to enhance their awareness of providing balanced and nutritious foods for their children, are the subjects of this study. The purpose of this study is to provide an empirical description of both of these topics. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to targeted respondents, namely 133 mothers with infants and toddlers from 16 provinces in Indonesia. Regression analysis was performed using SPSS software to assess mothers' propensity in seeking information, mainly from social media, about nutritious foods when making dietary choices. Findings: This indicates a significant correlation between mothers' awareness of seeking information about nutritious food using social media and their decisions to provide daily meals and first-line complementary foods for their newborns and toddlers. However, this awareness was not related to the variety of side dishes available on the menu. Originality: This study offers original empirical evidence on the role of social media as a primary source of information for mothers in 16 Indonesian provinces, improving their awareness and decisions about nutritious feeding to prevent stunting. The study uniquely links digital engagement (social media) with improved child nutrition, addressing a gap in maternal health research in Southeast Asia.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sri Lestari, Ilmi Afrizal Rachim, Andi Budiansyah, Anggini Dinaseviani, Rendi Febrianda, Mia Rahma Romadona https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Digital Uprisings and the Technocratic Turn: Assessing Nepal’s Trajectory as a Blueprint for Nigeria
Purpose: This article focuses on the transformation from democratic discontent to modern digital dissent as seen in the 2025 uprising led by youth in Nepal, culminating with the election of an interim Prime Minister on Discord as an early example of media activism, and beginning the process of transitioning toward a technocratic order from an actual change through mass protests. The investigation also covered the #ENDSARS protest in Nigeria in 2020 to understand why it failed to achieve the same success enjoyed by the Nepal protests despite both being orchestrated using digital media applications. Methods: A systems comparative case study design was employed to investigate the phenomenon of youth-driven digital disruption in Nepal and Nigeria. This research combines academic sources with proof from global news, policy papers, and studies of digital media about hashtag campaigns and memes on platforms like Discord, TikTok, and X. Findings: The findings attribute Nepal's success to a few things: anti-corruption issues coming together, smart Discord use for command, and an unstable political leadership. On the other hand, even with its digital strength, the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria suffered. Several factors explain the lack of stronger action, most importantly the absence of a clear plan after the protests and the disruption of the protests because of ethnic, sectarian, and religious divisions. Originality: This paper provides a novel comparative framework by juxtaposing Nepal’s successful 2025 ’digital coup’ against Nigeria’s arrested #EndSARS movement to isolate the specific political opportunity structures required for digital dissent to produce tangible change.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ben-Collins Emeka Ndinojuo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Beetween Trust and Crisis: SCCT in Local Indonesian Beauty Brands Response Overclaim
Purpose: This study analyst the crisis communication strategies implemented by two major local Indonesian beauty brands, Azarine and The Originote, as both represent significant cases of overclaim crisis with a large digital audience base. The study primarily focuses on the application Situational Crisis Communication Theory (SCCT) to understand crisis communication responses chosen by each brand. Additionally, the study seeks to determine the effectiveness of this approach in maintaining public trust. Methods: This study uses a descriptive quantitative approach with content analysis methods. Data was collected from official brand posts on Instagram and TikTok during the crisis period. Crisis communication strategies were classified based on the SCCT model. The coding process was carried out manually by two experts to ensure the accuracy of the categorization. Findings: Azarine tends to minimize attribution of responsibility through a combination of denial, justification, compensation, and ingratiation. Meanwhile, The Originote emphasizes acknowledgment of mistakes and commitment to improvement through justification, compensation, ingratiation, and apology. The analysis results indicate that Azarine strategy is more effective in maintaining brand reputation stability and preserving public trust during the early stages of a crisis, while The Originote strategy has a greater impact on long-term image recovery through a more open and accommodating approach. Originality: This study expands SCCT by applying to overclaim crises in the Indonesian beauty industry within the context of marketing communication. This context remains under-researched, and the study examines its implications for recovering public trust in digital environments.
Copyright (c) 2025 Estri Khidmatul Husniyah, Bambang Dwi Prasetyo, Fitri Hariana Oktaviani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Negotiating Autonomy: Art Workers, Media, and the Cultural Industries in Indonesia
Purpose: This study investigates the autonomy of art workers within the Indonesian cultural industry through a case study of two local television stations, ADiTV and Bali TV. The main objective is to examine how art workers maintain their autonomy while navigating the demands of the market and the organizational values imposed by their institutions. Methods: This study adopts a qualitative case study approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with television managers, art workers, and observers. The observers interviewed in this study were individuals with a deep and long-standing concern for the dynamics of local television. ADiTV and Bali TV were selected as research sites due to their distinctive characteristics. ADiTV operates as a local television channel with an Islamic missionary orientation, while Bali TV is embedded within the Ajeg Bali cultural movement. Findings: This study found that the autonomy of art workers in the cultural industry on local television shows a negotiated position. This study found that economic interests in pursuing profits and mass production within the cultural industry do not always harm the autonomy of art workers. Pressures on art workers actually come from non-market forces that are more cultural, such as Islamic values ​​on ADiTV or Ajeg Bali on Bali TV. Originality: This research contributes to the debate on artists' autonomy in the local television. By taking non-economic factors into account in determining artists' autonomy, this study makes an essential contribution to the discussion on artists' autonomy in the cultural industry, which tends to emphasize commercial factors.
Copyright (c) 2025 Puji Rianto, Hermin Indah Wahyuni, Sugeng Bayu Wahyono https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Role of Instagram in Shaping Spiritual Resilience and Identity among Undergraduate Generation Z
Purpose: This study investigates how undergraduate students Generation Z, who are immersed in digital and urban environments, develop spiritual resilience through their communicative practices on social media, particularly Instagram. It aims to elucidate the dynamic interplay between spirituality, self-control, and the formation of digital identity a central factors in cultivating resilience. Methods: Employing a qualitative case-study approach, this research conducted in-depth interviews with eight Gen-Z students in Jakarta. As members of an urban society and active digital users, these participants represent information-rich cases that provide deep insights into lived experiences rather than generalizable findings. Findings: The findings reveal that social media functions both as a source of spiritual motivation and a trigger of internal conflict. Participants used Instagram for self-expression, information seeking, and spiritual encouragement beyond recreational purposes. Key indicators of spiritual resilience emerged, including self-control, time management, negotiation of multiple identities, and intentional digital detox practices. The students demonstrated critical awareness of social media’s dual impact and actively balanced digital engagement with academic, spiritual, and emotional responsibilities. Originality: This study offers a novel integrated approach by synthesizing digital nativity, spiritual purpose, and adaptive resilience, which are often examined separately. It bridges the gap in existing literature by exploring the nexus of Gen-Z’s unique digital communication on Instagram and their search for spiritual meaning. By examining these converging dimensions, the research provides a holistic understanding of how communicative processes function as tools for navigating modern adversities.
Copyright (c) 2025 Farida Hariyati, Rita Pranawati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Leadership Style and Culturally-Aligned Corporate Communication at a Multinational Company
Purpose: This study aims to explore how leadership style contributes to build an effective internal communication as part of corporate communication that aligns with the company’s corporate identity. The research focuses on PT ASBO, a multinational company that have a unique and different corporate identity. This study aims to understand the dynamics between leadership, internal corporate communication, and their corporate identity in practice. Methods: This research employs a qualitative approach using a case study method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with a superior as key informant and subordinate as supporting informants within one department in PT ASBO where both of them works at the company for 17 years. Informants are selected to gain insights into leadership practices and communication patterns that happens in a specific department. Findings: The findings indicate that manager’s participative leadership style engages team members in discussions and decision‐making, fostering internal corporate communication grounded in respect, empathy, audibility, clarity, and humble principles. This leadership style approach enhances and embodies the company’s corporate identity, particularly its values to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Originality: This research offers a unique contribution by exploring how leadership style supports internal communication as a part of corporate communication aligned with the company’s corporate identity which is culture as one of the elements of corporate identity, particularly in a multinational company context that may contrast with local culture. Making it a valuable contribution to corporate communication.
Copyright (c) 2025 Revanza Riandra Fahrezi, Ayub Ilfandy Imran https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Help-Seeking Determinants for Suicidal Mental Health Risk among Generation Z on Social Media
Purpose: This study investigated the influence of attitude (AT), subjective norms (SN), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) on help-seeking behavior using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The study also examined whether Instagram use affected the link between intention and seeking for help behavior. Instagram was chosen as the focus platform because its largest user demographic in Indonesia is Generation Z. This research addressed the urgent need to understand help-seeking patterns among Generation Z in the digital era. Methods: A quantitative approach was applied using PLS-SEM. The sample consisted of 400 Generation Z with prior mental health concerns who actively utilized Instagram. The Slovin formula was applied to calculate the sample size at a 95% confidence level. An online questionnaire was utilized to gather the data and analyzed to assess the influence of the three TPB constructs on help-seeking intention and behavior, as well as the moderating effect of Instagram use. Findings: AT, SN, and PBC collectively explained 87% of the variance in help-seeking behavior and 84.4% in intention. However, Instagram use did not significantly moderate the relationship between intention and behavior (p=0.321, >0.05). Originality: This research addresses an important gap by examining how routine interaction with digital platforms may facilitate or inhibit the transition from intention to behavior. By applying the TPB framework within a socially and technologically relevant context, this study contributes both conceptually and practically to the understanding of youth mental health behavior.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ezra Aurelia Glenia Hadi, Rita Destiwati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Dialogic Strategies and Social Media Integration: A Systematic Review of Digital Dialogue in Modern Communication
Purpose: This study aimed to systematically examine the evolution of dialogic communication across major social media platforms from 2015 to 2024, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok, and WeChat, identifying key trends in theories, methodologies, and technological influences across interdisciplinary research fields. These platforms were chosen because of research relevance and features that support two-way interaction, making them suitable for analysing dialogic communication. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted on 199 peer-reviewed journal articles published in the Scopus database focus on studies on dialogic communication and social media. Articles were analyzed according to theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, social media platforms, and interdisciplinary contributions. Findings: The results showed that Dialogic Communication Theory continues to dominate but is increasingly integrated with complementary frameworks such as Social Presence Theory, Uses and Gratifications Theory, and Algorithmic Engagement Models. Quantitative methods, especially content analysis and survey research, remain prevalent, though computational and mixed methods are gaining prominence. Futher findings revealed that AI-driven tools, chatbots, and interactive media features significantly shape digital engagement, offering new opportunities for audience interaction while presenting ethical challenges regarding authenticity and transparency. Originality: This study offers research novelty by providing the first interdisciplinary synthesis of dialogic communication studies that integrates theoretical trends, methodological developments, and platform evolution. It also introduces a new perspective on how AI technologies and platform affordances reshape dialogic communication, highlighting emerging challenges and opportunities for ethical, transparent, and adaptive digital engagement. This integrated approach has not been comprehensively addressed in prior reviews.
Copyright (c) 2025 Thinakaridevi Shanmugam, Zulhamri Abdullah, Nurul Ain Mohd Hasan, Tham Jen Sern https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Catholic Youth and Political Engagement: The Need for a Hybrid Model of Mobilization
Purpose: This study investigates the relationship between social media use, political information-seeking, political attentiveness, political awareness, and political participation among Catholic youth in the Archdiocese of Semarang. It asks whether digital engagement leads to active civic involvement or remains confined to passive consumption. Methods: A quantitative survey was conducted among Catholic youth, chosen for their civic engagement and digital activity shaped by Church-based political education. Correlation tests examined the links between social media use, political awareness, and participation, focusing on attentiveness, information-seeking, and involvement in electoral and non-electoral activities. Findings: Although Catholic youth are highly active on social media, political engagement is selective and often passive. Political awareness is relatively high but does not translate into broad participation beyond elections. Political attentiveness strongly correlates with information-seeking, while awareness shows only a weak connection to actual participation. Barriers such as selective exposure, algorithmic curation, polarization, and the absence of sustained mobilization limit meaningful engagement. Originality: This study contributes theoretically by situating digital political engagement within a faith-based context, demonstrating how religious identity intersects with media effects and political behavior. It offers a novel conceptual integration of political attentiveness, information-seeking, and faith-based civic identity into digital participation models. Unlike prior research that generalizes youth behavior, this study provides a culturally grounded analysis of Catholic youth, emphasizing the Church’s dual role as both enabler and constraint of political agency. A hybrid mobilization model is proposed, bridging institutional support with community-driven digital activism to enrich theories of youth civic engagement.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yohanes Widodo, Yudi Perbawaningsih, Agustinus Aryo Lukisworo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Strategic Digital Communication for Empowering Online Communities: A Case Study of Youtz Community Hub
Purpose: This study aims to analyze communication strategies in empowering online communities for the development of digital social innovation through Youtz Community Hub. This study was conducted to determine how communication strategies can support community empowerment and encourage the creation of social innovation in the digital era. Methods: This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews and participant observation of programs implemented by Youtz Community Hub. This is because the community has an interesting communication strategy in empowering the community online. The focus of this study includes five stages of communication strategy, namely analysis and research, policy formulation, program planning, communication implementation, and evaluation and feedback. Findings: The results of the study show that the digital communication strategy implemented, especially through social media, can increase participation, involvement, and the impact of community empowerment. This strategy is also effective in encouraging social innovation and building a collaborative ecosystem between communities, institutions, and other stakeholders. Originality: The novelty of this research lies in the participatory and data-driven digital communication approach applied in the context of online community empowerment. What sets this study apart is the integration of qualitative analysis tools, particularly Atlas.ti, to systematically code, visualize, and interpret narrative interview data and observational findings. These findings contribute to the advancement of inclusive and sustainable communication strategies in the digital era, particularly in digitally native youth communities.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fathiyyah Azizah, Martha Tri Lestari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
User-Generated Content, Online Trust, and Purchase Intention: An Empirical Study of Social Commerce Platforms
Purpose: User-generated content (UGC) affected consumer trust and purchasing intention in social commerce platforms. It evaluated the growing influence of user-generated content on online consumer behavior and how online trust mediates the association between UGC and purchase intention. This study intended to understand how different types of UGC affect consumer trust and buy intentions, moving beyond previous studies' focus on individual UGC parts. Methods: A quantitative study design was utilized, employing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Data were gathered via an online survey disseminated among persons in Vietnam who regularly engage with social commerce platforms. The questionnaire employed established multi-item scales derived from previous research to assess UGC, online trust, and buy intention. Findings: The findings demonstrated that user-generated content favorably impacted online trust, which subsequently enhanced purchase intention. UGC is essential for establishing trust and influencing purchasing decisions in social commerce. The model elucidated a significant variance in online trust and purchasing intention. Originality: This study shows how trust mediates the relationship between UGC and buy intention in social commerce, improving understanding of online consumer behavior. It stresses the importance of good UGC for consumer trust and purchase intention, giving valuable data for social commerce platforms and marketers. Future research may examine these findings in different cultures and examine other factors affecting consumer trust and purchase intention.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nguyen Van Dat, Canh Chi Hoang, Bui Thanh Khoa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Punk Community Activism: Seizing Urban Space (A Comparison between Indonesian and Malaysian Punk Communities)
Purpose: We compared two punk communities: Lamidet Society (Yogyakarta) and Rumah Api (Kuala Lumpur) in conducting the activism movement related to urban issues; and identified the strategy used to fight the authorities, analysed how both communities adapt the spirit of resistance of the punk culture to the local culture and politics. Methods: This study used in-depth interviews and participant observation to obtain deeper insights into the experiences and comparisons of punk community engagement in Yogyakarta and Kuala Lumpur. It also conducted a content analysis of interviews, encompassing zines, internet platforms, and lyrics to elucidate their ideology and socio-political statements regarding the appropriation of urban places. Findings: Lamidet Society and Rumah Api diverge in their particular emphases, modes of expression, scale of scenes, and cultural contexts, reflecting the unique social and political landscapes in each country and the diverse nature of punk activism within the broader punk subculture. Thus, the dynamic character of these movements remained shaped by their specific circumstances and local conflicts in Indonesia and Malaysia. Originality: This study addressed the demand for innovation by examining punk culture, particularly its evolution into a global phenomenon and its capacity to highlight local issues in the context of resistance against authorities, including urban issues. The juxtaposition of two punk communities in relation to their social and political contexts revealed its inherent novelty. Extensive research has been conducted on punk communities; however, comparative studies between the punk communities in Indonesia and Malaysia remain scarce.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muria Endah Sokowati, Sharifah Nursyahidah Syed Annuar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Marketing Communications Across Generations: Insight from Indonesia’s Online Marketplaces
Purpose: This study aimed to examine how hedonic and utilitarian browsing behaviors, along with electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM), influenced e-satisfaction and e-loyalty in Indonesia’s online marketplaces. It also sought to explore generational differences among Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers in their online shopping behaviors. Methods: A quantitative approach was used by distributing structured online surveys to 962 respondents who actively use online marketplaces. The collected data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS to test the proposed hypotheses. A multi-group analysis was conducted to compare generational responses. Findings: The results showed that both hedonic and utilitarian browsing significantly influenced e-satisfaction across all generations. However, their effects on e-loyalty and eWOM varied by age group. Millennials and Generation X exhibited stronger and more significant relationships between browsing behavior, e-satisfaction, and e-loyalty compared to Baby Boomers. eWOM and e-satisfaction were also found to play mediating roles in enhancing e-loyalty. Originality: This study addresses a research gap by examining browsing behavior and eWOM across generations, which have rarely been analyzed together in prior studies. Previous research often focused on single generational cohorts or lacked theoretical integration. By combining TAM, EDM, and SIT, this study offers a more comprehensive framework. A multi-group SEM analysis compares Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers. It reveals unique behavioral patterns that influence satisfaction and loyalty. The findings support the need for segment-specific marketing strategies in Indonesia’s online marketplace.
Copyright (c) 2025 Widarto Rachbini, Diana Anggraeni, Ahmad Badari Burhan, Rina Sovianti, Emi Rahmawati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Role of Family Communication in Transmitting Environmental Values among the Baduy
Purpose: This study examined how family communication transmitted environmental values among the Baduy (Indonesia), linking their unique traditional ecological knowledge, cultural practices, and identity-based frameworks to sustainability outcomes to inform broader conservation efforts. Methods: This qualitative study conducted in-depth interviews with four purposefully selected Baduy participants (Banten, Indonesia) to capture diverse perspectives. Informants included a ‘Tokoh Adat’ (customary leader), the ‘Kepala Desa Kanekes’ (village head), and two ‘Warga Baduy’ (general community members), representing traditional authority, administrative leadership, and community viewpoints. Findings: Findings illuminate the Baduy people's profound integration of traditional agriculture and environmental preservation. This commitment manifests in their strict chemical prohibition, reliance on natural fertilizers, deep reverence for protected forests, and adherence to eco-friendly farming methods. These practices are embedded within a robust framework of customary law (‘adat’) and significantly informed by ‘Karma’ belief, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of long-term ecological consequences. Furthermore, these ingrained traditions fundamentally shape intergenerational communication, positioning the family as the primary conduit for transmitting vital environmental values and ecological knowledge. This dynamic process actively cultivates environmental responsibility and perpetuates a harmonious coexistence with nature within the community. Originality: Providing novel insights, this qualitative study uniquely examined family communication's role in embedding environmental values across Baduy generations (Indonesia). Findings illuminate how traditional ecological knowledge and cultural practices synergize, driving sustainable agriculture/waste management and reinforcing community resilience through ancestral wisdom, informing culturally grounded conservation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Faisal Tomi Saputra, Usman La Ungka, Karman, Devi Tri Indriasari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Celebrity of Instagram and Endorsements: Shaping and Constructing Social Identity
Purpose: This research aims to explore how endorsements by celebrities on Instagram play a role in the formation and development of social identities among users. It will investigate the psychological processes, including relationships and the desire for social connection, that influence the link between celebrity impact and identity development. Methods: The method used was a qualitative descriptive method, data collection techniques by observations, interviews and documentations. Researchers choose influencers with high engagement rates. Key Informants that being choosen are three celebgram from Palembang, South Sumatera, Indonesia. Findings: A celebrity's social identity is shaped by their interactions with their fans, as seen by the quantity of views, comments, direct messages, re-posts, and mentions. Along with participation, interpersonal interactions, communication style, social relationships, lifestyle relevance, and the presence of online communities. The visual appearance of celebrities is a major factor in the success of product endorsements because visuals are the first element that attracts the audience's attention. Originality: The originality of this study stems from identifying a distinctive concept known as ‘Local Empathetic Communication’ as an essential element in forming social identity among celebgrams in Palembang. In contrast to prior research, this study combines the Social Construction of Reality Theory with the VisCap Model to illustrate that followers engage more deeply with influencers who embody local culture and values through empathetic and relatable dialogue. This emphasis on a localized emotional connection has not been previously addressed in earlier works, making it a new and significant contribution to the discipline.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rahma Santhi Zinaida, Eku Diantara, Zaid Amin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Personal Data Protection in Social Media among Indonesian College Students
Purpose: This study examines the awareness of Indonesian college students from diverse regions regarding personal data protection, focusing on the dimensions of knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The research is exploratory in nature and does not aim to generalize findings beyond the studied cases. Methods: A purposive sampling technique was employed in this study. Given the unknown population size, an infinite sample formula was applied with the assumption p=0.5 and 95% confidence interval. With a margin of error of ±5.43%, the final sample consisted of 325 respondents. The survey measured three variables: knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to personal data protection. College students were chosen as they are the most active social media users and vulnerable to data sharing, with the sample providing demographic diversity and a representative overview of personal data protection awareness. Findings: Results reveal a persistent lack of understanding among Indonesian college students regarding personal data protection. Most respondents expressed little concern about publishing personal information on social media, with many continuing to share personal data despite potential risks. Originality: This study advances theoretical novelty by integrating Social Information Processing Theory with identity fluidity to explain students’ disclosure of personal data on social media despite existing legal safeguards. Unlike prior research that focused primarily on global privacy paradoxes or platform-specific behaviors, it situates the analysis within Indonesia’s regulatory context, thereby exposing the gap between law and practice and enriching discourse on digital literacy and mediated identity.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rulli Nasrullah, Oktaviana Purnamasari, Tria Patrianti, Makroen Sanjaya, Study Rizal Lolombulan Kontu, Jumroni https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Navigating Challenges and Transforming Radio Journalism in Indonesia: from New Order Control to Reform Opportunities
Introduction: The evolution of radio journalism in Indonesia provides critical insights into its historical, technological, cultural, and political significance. As a medium, radio has been a cornerstone of public discourse and democratization, particularly during transformative periods such as the Reform Era. This study examines the evolution and contemporary challenges of radio journalism, with a specific focus on the operational realities of private radio stations in Indonesia. Methods: This research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining in-depth interviews with radio managers and surveys targeting radio station managers. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing the sustainability, quality, and adaptability of radio journalism. Findings: The findings indicate that increased press freedom has facilitated more diverse and independent journalistic practices. However, the sector faces significant challenges in adapting to the demands of a rapidly evolving media ecosystem. Digital disruption has created an urgent need for multi-platform strategies, yet many stations lack the technical expertise and resources required for full adaptation. Additionally, the scarcity of trained journalists and editorial teams limits the production of high-quality, independent journalism, undermining public trust in radio as a credible medium. Originality: This study presents a groundbreaking exploration of the evolution of radio journalism in Indonesia, offering a comprehensive perspective that seamlessly intertwines its historical roots with the pressing challenges of the modern media era. By examining the sector’s regulatory and economic pressures, it sheds light on the structural and operational hurdles faced by radio journalism while uncovering innovative strategies for navigating the disruptive forces of digital transformation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yohanes Widodo, Ana Nadhya Abrar, Wisnu Martha Adiputra
Do Political Parties Satisfy Voter's Communication Needs? Content Analysis of Twitter, YouTube and Instagram Posts
Introduction: In an electronic democracy, politicians avoid being solely dependent on traditional communication channels like news media. Social media acts a political communication tool and Uses Gratification (UG) theory explains how people use media for their needs. Therefore, the attempt has been made to analyze the information shared on these social media platforms by political parties to communicate has any effect on communication needs according to Uses Gratification theory. Methods: Content analysis was employed to achieve the objectives using R software, where in data was acquired from social media platforms of major political parties of India and the coding was developed to classify the extracted data into communication needs as per UG theory. Findings: The content analysis shows that among all parties, BJP has higher visibility and consistency on Twitter and Instagram, satisfying cognitive needs. Most parties satisfy affective needs on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. However, YouTube content is less satisfying for personal integrative, social integrative, and tension released needs. Originality: The current study tried to use innovative methods or combining methods in a new way. It provided new insights or implications that have not been extensively discussed. Therefore, Political parties should focus on specific social media for interactive and efficient information spread.
Copyright (c) 2025 Manpreet Kaur, Rajesh Verma, Frank Nana Kweku Otoo
Identifying the Level of Data Journalism Literacy and Skills of Local Media Journalists in Indonesia
Introduction: Datafication still plagues Indonesian journalists, especially local ones, skewing news validity and neutrality. Indonesian journalists from 13 local media were surveyed and interviewed for this study. This study relied on several studies that suggest journalists may deliver more accurate, objective, and unbiased news by expanding their datafication capacity. As digital technology advances and social media spreads misinformation, it becomes critical. Methods: Mixed-methods experimentation and triangulation. Indonesia has 13 native media representing its diversity. Using regional media, this study can illustrate data journalism literacy levels in different locations, including those with differing technology and education. We chose material based on data journalism approaches including data visualization, infographics, and data-driven reporting. This ensures study-relevant respondents. Findings: Indonesian media's poor data literacy has a big impact. Data-driven journalism in local media is poor due to data analysis incompetence. Access and chances for journalists to develop data skills are major issues. Clearly, formal training is needed. Another factor is local media's focus on reporting speed over data analysis. Lack of technology and institutional support hinders local journalist data literacy projects. Originality: Previous studies on Indonesian journalists' datafication knowledge and abilities are scarce and fragmented. Despite data journalism's growing popularity in newsrooms and academic status, comprehensive study is needed to define it.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ansar Suherman, Harry Fajar Maulana, Herman Lawelai
Political Knowledge and Its Effect on Voting Decisions: Generation Z Viewers of 'Dirty Vote' Documentary
Introduction: The 2024 Indonesian presidential election will see significant Generation Z participation, yet unverified political information may affect their understanding. The documentary ‘Dirty Vote’ has the potential to enhance political knowledge and influence voting decisions, particularly regarding election fraud--a key concern for Generation Z voters who are active digitally but vulnerable to misinformation. Using the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), this study examines how the documentary influences political knowledge, mediates voting decisions, and affects political engagement. The research evaluates whether ‘Dirty Vote’ can effectively enhance political understanding and shape voting choices among Generation Z. Methods: This explanatory quantitative study targets viewers of the ‘Dirty Vote’ documentary on social media. A sample of 384 participants was determined using the Lemeshow formula and non-probability purposive sampling. Data were collected via Google Forms and analyzed using Generalized Structured Component Analysis (GSCA). The ELM theory guided the analysis. Findings: The study found that ‘Dirty Vote’ significantly enhances political knowledge and influences voting decisions among Generation Z. Political knowledge acted as a mediator, strengthening the documentary's impact. The credibility of the documentary’s source also played a key role in how the information was received. These findings suggest that documentaries can be an effective tool for political education, particularly for young voters. Originality: This study provides new insights into the role of documentaries in political education for Generation Z in Semarang, using ELM theory and GSCA to explore media’s impact on political knowledge and behavior.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yoma Bagus Pamungkas, Yuwanto Yuwanto, Muhammad Adnan, Nurul Hasfi
Internet, Media Usage, and Poverty: Quadrant Mapping of ICT Trend and Poverty Level in Indonesia
Introduction: This article addressed the research problem: 'how the information and communication technology usage related to the poverty rate in Indonesia in 2020-2021, compared between provinces and rural-urban segmentation.’ This study contributed evidences for the development of digital literacy policies to answer previous research debates on the extent to which information and communication technology is a useful tool for reducing poverty, which is one of the Sustainable Development Goals. Methods: Using a quantitative approach, this study used the data from the Indonesian Central Bureau of Statistics. Data is analyzed using product moment correlation to determine the relationship between information and communication technology penetration and the poverty rate, the results then are displayed using quadrant mapping. Findings: This study found variations in relations between provinces and rural-urban segmentations. High internet penetration and media use are not always accompanied by a low poverty index. In conclusion, the expansion of internet needs to be complemented by massive and systematic digital literacy education in order to effectively accelerate poverty reduction. Originality: This study meets the need for novelty as the issue discussed is related to poverty and information and communication technology penetration using spatial analysis. The novelty can be seen from the result of bibliometric analysis.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sri Hastjarjo, Rutiana Dwi Wahyunengseh
Understand the Cultural Influence of Short Videos in the Communication of Public Health Information
Introduction: Groups with different ideologies have different perspectives on civilization and, therefore, can exhibit various cultural values. In today's globalized world, people from different cultural backgrounds interact through the web, and using emerging communication technologies, such as short videos, is a challenge, especially in public health. Although studies have shown that globalization can alter the process of cultural production and consumption and strengthen cultural identity, there are still differences in cultural production and cultural identity in public health. Methods: This study explored the differences in information understanding from different cultural contexts in the healthy cultural space and used qualitative analysis to explore these differences. Use of online ethnography for short video text objective observation and analysis. This study will take TIKTOK as the research object and analyze the feedback of different cultural groups on the problem in the real-time interaction of the subjects public health environment. Findings: This study reveals key differences in cultural communication strategies and highlights the challenges of cultural acceptance in both contexts. The findings provide fresh insights into how multiculturalism shapes and is influenced by the use of new media technologies in public health communication. Originality: This study provides novel insights into the unique communication practices of two specific social media accounts (@publichealthmsia and @健康中国). By focusing on their distinct challenges and approaches, it introduces innovative frameworks and guiding questions for addressing technical dilemmas in social media communication.
Comparative Analysis (China and Malaysia)
Copyright (c) 2025 Ren Changning, Akmar Hayati Ahmad Ghazali, Syafila Kamarudin
Learning based Communication Technology for Visually Impairments Students in the Digital Age
Introduction: The aim to this research to determine and analyze how to learning by access and utilization digital technology for high school visually impaired students (SLBN A) at Bandung City, Indonesia, because only in this school provide computer information technology specialization class, so it is important to have learning communication that is appropriate to the conditions of students who study computer technology without using visuals. Methods: This research used qualitative with case study method, and data collection techniques use observation, interviews, and documentation. The participants consist of visually impaired students and teachers, the school principal, and a representative from the West Java Provincial Education Office. Findings: The research findings, reveal several essential aspects of access computers for visually impaired students, such as familiar with screen readers, the ability to remember and utilize shortcuts, proficient typing skills using all ten fingers, and the use of assistive tools. Digital-based learning involves using computers and smartphones due to the various supporting software applications. All participant have the computer skill use to type word, input data to excel, email and as well as search for materials on the internet and participants reported that smartphone was used to communicate, using conference applications, and searching for information online, and some participants used it to produce creative content. Originality: The novelty is a collaborative learning model based on communication technology for visually impaired students. Communication technology enables this collaboration through digital applications and devices that support communication and interaction between students and teachers, and interaction between students.
Copyright (c) 2025 Siska Mardiana, S. Bekti Istiyanto, Annisarizki Annisarizki, Ari Putra
Discourse Analysis and Distance Factors on Determine News Sources about Papua Riots in Online Media
Introduction: The Papua riots in Indonesia that happened in 2019 have received global viewers and national media attention. The national media reports the events through different sources. In another perspective, the distance factor had become an important variable in determining the source or informant, especially for a medium far from the scene. The research aims: first, exploring the discourse about dominant media and subdominant online media in covering issues, and secondly, have another comprehend about informant selection factors according to the distance between online media in the local area and capital city area. Methods: Through comparison of dominant and subdominant online media in Indonesia, this research has been describing events and social actors portrayed, by Theo Van Leewen's method of critical discourse analysis. This research been used 45 news sites Kompas.com and 20 news Tabloidjubi.com which are related to the 2019 Papua riots during August 19 to August 24, 2019. Findings: With analysis table as a guarantor of validity the research have been display all the news samples represented by five categorizations of themes. Text has been interpreting as a verification of the validity of the text through the perspective of the reader with Van Leewen's critical discourse, namely exclusion and inclusion. Originality: It was novelty that both online media potentially could be able more exploring their sources of information to expand their reader distance segmentation. In addition, online media should have new perspective to be an origin sources across markets for global viewers.
Copyright (c) 2025 Melati Mediana Tobing, Nor Idayu Ibrahim
Analysis of Audience Reception towards Child-Free Discourse through Social Media
Introduction: Child-free is a person's decision not to have children. Child-free is a new value for the people of Indonesia. Gita Savitri Devi is an influencer who announced via Instagram and YouTube that she has decided to be child-free. This statement then caused controversy in the community. As a result, some parties are pro and contra against child-free. Methods: The method used is a qualitative method with a reception analysis approach. This study uses Stuart Hall's reception theory which divides the audience's meaning into dominant positions of hegemony, negotiation, and opposition. Findings: The results divide into four: accepting and desiring child-free, accepting and respecting child-free choices, opposing child-free discourse, and the audience trying to be neutral toward child-free discourse. The background behind the meaning is the place of residence, religion, education, occupation, and lifestyle owned by the audience, with the most common background tendency being the background of living. The reception in this study is that four informants are in a dominant position of hegemony, two informants are in a negotiating place, and one informant is in an opposition position, with the tendency of informants to be in a dominant part of hegemony. Originality: The results of this study can reveal how the audience interprets child-free discourse, which is a new perspective. In addition, it can be a development material for further researchers in examining the other side of the child-free phenomenon that has not yet appeared in this study.
Copyright (c) 2025 Salma Annisa Rahmah, Retno Hendariningrum, Senja Yustitia
The Threat of Virality Manipulation in Social Media towards Deliberative Democracy
Introduction: The use of social media as a channel for political communication is becoming increasingly common in modern society. Some users seek virality to influence public opinion. Among them, some employ manipulative tactics to achieve virality, which can undermine deliberative democracy. Unfortunately, the impact of manipulative virality on deliberative democracy has not received sufficient attention. This study aims to describe how manipulative virality poses a threat to deliberative democracy. The researchers focus on five social media platforms--X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, because Indonesians widely use these for political communication. Methods: The researchers use a qualitative, exploratory approach, focusing on relevant documents using interpretive analysis and observation to study of X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Findings: Research identifies four methods of manipulative virality that undermine deliberative democracy: using fake accounts, deploying bots, paying buzzers, and spreading hoaxes. These practices threaten and subvert deliberative democracy by creating false appearances of support, potentially distorting public opinion, misleading policymakers, and damaging society. Manipulative virality often benefits wealthy groups, as they can afford to pay buzzers and deploy bots, unlike poorer groups. Originality: This study explores the role of social media in public discourse to promote deliberative democracy. It offers novelty by presenting an in-depth analysis that digital media has the potential to undermine deliberative democracy due to the use of bots, fake accounts, and paid influencers. The findings emphasize the importance of preserving authentic public dialogue while addressing unethical practices that manipulate social media for personal or political gain.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rendra Widyatama, Vidya Ananda, Liliek Budiastuti Wiratmo
3 Southeast Asian Governments’ Initial Crisis Rhetoric during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Online News
Introduction: Governmental responses to the pandemic vary by country. This study seeks to evaluate the Government's preliminary crisis rhetoric by employing a framing typology frequently utilised in Public Relations as reported in mass media across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. This study examines articles regarding government narratives published from January to March 2020 in Detik.com, Straitstimes.com, and Thestar.com. A total of 22.338 news reports about the pandemic were retrieved from the respective media. The three media was selected due to its national reach and readership. Methods: This paper employs qualitative-thematic and content analysis to analyze the materials collected from internet news sources. The study was conducted systematically, involving several steps. A thematic analysis was performed on the government messages to reveal governments’ initial crisis intersecting concept of crisis rhetoric and framing typology in PR. Findings: The Indonesian Government adopted the rhetorical appeal of ‘kairos’, ‘ethos’, and ‘pathos’ as means of persuasion to build the frame of choice and issues in the messages to the public. The Malaysian Government exhibited ‘ethos’ and ‘pathos’ appeal to build frame of responsibility and action in the messages carried out by the Government in the mass media. Meanwhile, the Singapore government uses the rhetorical appeal of ‘logos’ and ‘ethos’ in creating frame of action, responsibility, and situations that exist in the news covering government statements from Singapore. Originality: Studies linking framing with rhetoric are scarce, mostly framing analysis focusing more on the journalist activities in constructing the frame within the news.
Copyright (c) 2023 Diyah Indiyati, Akmar Hayati Ahmad Ghazali, Yulanda Trisula Sidharta Yohanes, Siti Chotijah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Linking the Utilization of Clickbait Headlines and News Marketing Communication Strategy in Online Media
Introduction: The competition in the news industry makes online media portal companies constantly bombard consumers with persuasive news, not a few online media use clickbait on news titles to attract readers to click the news. It turns that, click bait is also linking with the online media marketing communication strategy. The aimed of this research was to know the linking utilization of click bait headline as and marketing communication strategies in tribunsumsel.com. Methods: The method used was a qualitative descriptive method, data collection techniques by observations, interviews and documentations. Key informants are the Company Leader, Online Manager and the Digital Advertising Supervisor in Online Media. Findings: The results of this research was the utilization of Click bait Headlines on tribunsumsel.com portal which become a strategy that being used as an interesting diction chosen to attract visitors and also to accelerate the amount of traffic statistics that had a very significant impact on the amount of advertisement, as one of the income source. Originality: Originality of this research shown by the relational between clickbait headlines and marketing communication strategy which can be both negative and positive. The novelty is where other research about news online portal mostly focuses on news content, journalism etiquette, but this study looks at the other side of clickbait as a new wave phenomenon that online media marketers use to generate revenue. The other point of view from clickbait in Indonesia is interesting to discuss in further research.
Copyright (c) 2023 Rahma Santhi Zinaida, Siti Tanti Hardiyanti, Zaid Amin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Intervening Role of Customer Satisfaction on the Relationship between Brand Prestige and Behavioral Intentions
Introduction: The study investigates the indirect influence of satisfaction on the relationship between brand prestige and behavioral intentions. Methods: A total of 407 respondents participated in the study and they were customers of the leading café in the Philippines. Predictive-causal research design and structural equation modelling via partial least squares (PLS) were employed to measure the direct and indirect hypothesized relationships of the present study. Findings: The results revealed that brand prestige and customer satisfaction significantly and positively influence behavioral intentions. Furthermore, brand prestige was found to be significantly and directly related to customer satisfaction. The mediation analysis indicated that customer satisfaction indirectly affects the link between brand prestige and behavioral intentions. The intervening effect of customer satisfaction on the relationship between brand prestige and behavioral intentions proves that satisfaction is still a vital factor when it comes to favorable outcomes. The significant and positive influence of brand prestige on behavioral intentions is mediated by satisfaction of coffee shop or café customers. Therefore, when customers are satisfied, behavioral intentions among clientele, in particular, in the context coffee shops or café are reinforced. Originality: This study provides novel insights into how customer satisfaction mediates the relationship between brand prestige and behavioral intentions, offering valuable implications for enhancing customer-centric branding strategies in the café industry.
Copyright (c) 2023 Jean Paolo G. Lacap, Sairen Khay Balatbat, Joelle Mhyeca Marie C. Malonzo, Marielle S. Alfaro, Harold R. Mungcal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Exploring Cultural Conflict Resolution through Face Negotiation Theory in the Indonesian Film ‘Tarung Sarung’
Introduction: This study examines Islamic values and intercultural communication through the lens of Face Negotiation Theory (FNT) in the film ‘Tarung Sarung’ (‘Sarong Fighting’). As a medium of communication, film delivers embedded messages that influence audience perceptions and emotions. ‘Tarung Sarung’ reflects societal realities and conveys messages that foster understanding across cultures. Indonesia's cultural diversity often leads to conflicts rooted in stereotypes, highlighting the need for cultural approaches to conflict resolution. Methods: This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach to explore how cultural values and communication strategies are portrayed in the film ‘Tarung Sarung.’ The research design included textual and visual analysis of selected scenes and dialogues reflecting intercultural communication and conflict resolution. Stella Ting-Toomey’s Face Negotiation Theory (FNT) was applied to interpret key themes such as individualism versus collectivism and face concerns. Findings: The analysis reveals that the film illustrates how cultural values shape individuals' approaches to conflict resolution. Through its characters, the film demonstrates how intercultural strategies are influenced by cultural backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural differences. Originality: The study contributes novel insights by applying FNT to analyze ‘Tarung Sarung,’ showcasing its depiction of Islamic values and intercultural communication in media. It underscores the role of film as a medium for fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Copyright (c) 2023 Made Dwi Adnjani, Muna Yastuti Madrah, Ahmad Mujib https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/