The Dual Role of Social Media in Indonesia: Strengthening Democracy or Triggering Conflict?

Social media has become an important part of modern human life. In Indonesia, the active use of social media reached 191 million in 2022; that number has increased by 12.35% compared to the previous year. This increase was influenced by the development of internet access and technology that continues to advance. Social media has a significant role in shaping public opinion and behavior in Indonesia. However, as is the case with other technologies, the use of social media can also have a negative impact on society.

One of the positive roles of social media in Indonesia is as a tool to strengthen democracy and freedom of speech. In recent years, social media has played an important role in the fight for human rights, freedom of speech, and greater access to information. Social media has become a platform for sharing information and opening up space for discussion among Indonesians, even when traditional media tend to cover up or censor certain information.

However, on the other hand, social media can also be used to spread content that is not true or trigger conflict among people. There are many examples, such as the 2024 election approaching, a lot of hoax news, and hate speech to bring down a group of parties or candidates who will run for the 2024 presidential election. In addition, social media can also be a means of spreading pornography and violence that can affect children and adolescents.

In conclusion, social media has played a positive role in Indonesia by providing a platform for democracy, freedom of speech, and access to information. It has empowered people to voice their opinions and discuss important issues, particularly in cases where traditional media have failed to do so. However, social media has also spread misinformation, triggered conflict, and distributed inappropriate content. Users need to be critical and responsible in their use of social media to avoid these negative impacts and promote a healthy and productive online community. The government should also take a more active role in regulating social media to ensure that it is used responsibly and for the benefit of society.