From persuasion to panic

Comunicação, Mídia e Consumo, vol. 23, pp. e3122

Abstract

Electoral disinformation in Indonesia has often been understood as persuasive communication aimed at shaping political beliefs. This article shows that the 2024 election cycle marks a shift toward panicoriented disinformation that frames politics as an unfolding crisis rather than an object of deliberation. Using a comparative qualitative analysis of debunked election-related disinformation from the 2019 and 2024 elections, the study examines changes in platforms, content formats, and circulation patterns. The findings show that while disinformation in 2019 relied on explicit claims and ideological messaging, disinformation in 2024 predominantly circulates as video-based content optimized for algorithmic visibility on platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, functioning as atmospheric communication that shapes collective moods and perceptions of instability.

Authors 3

1. Fitri Murfianti Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University

2. Nuril Hidayah
   Affiliation as printed

   Islamic Economics study Program, STAI Mifathul ‘Ula Nganjuk

3. Finsensius Yuli Purnama

   Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya

   Affiliation as printed

   Katolik Widya Mandala University