Kalijaga Journal of Communication (ISSN Online: 2685-1334 | ISSN Print: 2775-1414) is a peer-reviewed bi-annual journal that publishes research in the field of communication, with a special focus on media studies, political communication, cultural communication, religious communication, business communication, and digital technology. This journal is published and managed by Communication and Islamic Broadcasting Study Program of the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication, Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia in cooperation with Asosiasi Program Studi Komunikasi dan Penyiaran Islam (Askopis). This journal serves as a forum for interdisciplinary studies in communication, exploring the role of media—both mass and digital—in shaping public discourse, political narratives, cultural identities, religious messages, and business strategies. Kalijaga Journal of Communication, published in June and December, and has been accredited by Sinta 3 based on the Decree of the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research and Technology, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia No. 177/E/KPT/2024 which was applied since Vol. 5, No. 1 (2023) to Vol. 9, No. 2 (2027). This publication is available in two versions: print and electronic. The print version is sold for a price. For details on purchases and subscriptions, contact the editorial and distribution at Jl. Marsda Adisucipto Yogyakarta, Communication and Islamic Broadcasting Study Program. The electronic version (PDF) is openly accessible and free without a subscription. This open access is expected to increase readability and the quotes of award-winning authors.
Communication and Islamic Broadcasting Study Program, Faculty of Da'wah and Communication, Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms: Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. that allows others to share and adapt the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
The Impact of Social Media on the Behavior and Social Interactions of Agrarian Religious Communities: A Five-Decade Bibliometric Analysis (1974–2024)
This research provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to map the intellectual structure and evolutionary trends of studies concerning social media's impact on the behavior and social interaction within religious agrarian communities over a five-decade period (1974-2024). The study analyzes 656 documents retrieved from the Scopus database, employing Biblioshiny to elucidate publication dynamics, pivotal contributors, influential sources, and thematic transitions. Key findings indicate a marked exponential increase in annual publications, with PLoS One identified as the most prolific journal. Analysis of keywords reveals a predominant focus on concepts such as human, female, and religion. The mapping of international collaboration networks shows leadership by the United States, followed by Australia as the second most collaborative nation. Thematic evolution analysis demonstrates a significant progression from initial broad discussions to more nuanced explorations within specific religious contexts, including Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism, and their intricate connections to socio-economic development effects, rural planning, and cultural transformation. The study concludes that this field is both dynamic and expansive, characterized by growing scholarly interest. It highlights substantial avenues for future research, particularly in empirically investigating the nuanced role of social media in shaping the socio-cultural fabric, religious practices, and developmental trajectories of specific agrarian-religious communities, thereby addressing existing knowledge gaps.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdul Riski https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Mosques in the Digital Era: Contesting Sacred Space, Culture, and the Identity of Generation Z Muslims
The digital era has transformed mosques from purely sacred spaces into hybrid spaces that integrate both physical and digital dimensions. This study aims to analyze the dynamics of contestation over values, culture, and the identities of Generation Z Muslims during this transformation. Using a critical qualitative literature review, the study explores how negotiations over the meaning of sacredness emerge as worship practices, preaching, and community life in mosques become infused with digital technologies. The findings reveal that digitalization does not necessarily erode sacredness; rather, it becomes a medium for its redefinition, shaped by tensions between traditional authority, local cultural values, and the logic of digital efficiency. Generation Z emerges as a key actor shaping a hybrid Islamic identity by blending ritual piety with digital participation, such as through social media da’wah content and sharia-based financial applications. However, this transformation faces concrete challenges, including gaps in digital infrastructure and literacy among mosque administrators and congregants. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to enriching the discourse in the sociology of religion by positioning technology not merely as a tool, but as part of broader processes of cultural adaptation and identity formation. The study underscores the need for a holistic mosque management approach that balances technological integration with the preservation of the community’s spiritual and cultural values.
Copyright (c) 2026 Siti Fadilla, Deddy Desmal, Muhammad Ritzky Saibi, Muhammad Deni Putra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
I Am Not Alone!: Peer Support as a Pathway to Strengthen Communication among Introverted Students
This study investigates how peer relationships contribute to the development of interpersonal communication skills among introverted students in the Islamic Religious Education Study Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, 10 introverted students were selected through personality screening and interviews. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and participant observations, then analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model to capture patterns and meanings from their lived experiences. The findings reveal three central themes. First, introverted students tend to demonstrate reflective, thoughtful communication styles, yet they encounter difficulties with nonverbal cues, such as eye contact and body language, which often hinder effective interaction. Second, peer relationships serve as a crucial source of emotional support, providing safe spaces that reduce anxiety and encourage more open dialogue, thereby facilitating gradual improvement in communication competence. Third, both internal factors, including self-confidence and communication anxiety, and external factors, such as the campus environment and opportunities for collaboration, significantly shape their development of interpersonal communication. Overall, the study concludes that peer support plays a vital role in enhancing the confidence, active participation, and communicative competence of introvert students. These insights highlight the need for peer-based strategies and inclusive educational practices in Islamic higher education to better support introvert learners and foster more effective interpersonal engagement.
Copyright (c) 2026 Canggih Yulia Sakti, Abd. Madjid, Muhammad Buya Al Madany Abror https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Da’wah Communication on the Musawarah YouTube Channel (Perspective of Shafwatut Tafasir Interpretation)
Digital da'wah often faces challenges in maintaining emotional depth and theological groundedness amidst the fast-paced nature of social media. This study addresses the need for a da'wah model that balances contemporary communication styles with classical Islamic interpretation. This study analyzes the communication strategy of da'wah through a presentation of the issue's background in the Musawarah Podcast episode “Kekuatan Itu Menjadikan Kita Selalu Bersama” (Strength Keeps Us Together). Using a descriptive qualitative approach with Klaus Krippendorff's content analysis, this study examines Aristotle's rhetorical elements of ethos, pathos, and logos, then integrates them with Shafwatut Tafasir's interpretation of QS—Muhammad verse 19. The results show that presenting the background of the issue plays an important role in building the moral credibility of the source (ethos), evoking emotional resonance (pathos), and strengthening the argumentation of Islamic values through life experiences (logos). Theoretically, this study contributes an integrative framework between Western rhetoric and classical Tafsir, and, practically, provides a narrative-spiritual model for digital preachers to reach urban Muslim audiences more effectively.
Copyright (c) 2026 Salsabyla Nuril Ula, Singgih Muflihhafiz Labibah, Moh. Ali Aziz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Analysis of Fery Irwandi's Persuasive Communication Style in Exposing Santet and Indigo Lies within Indonesian Cultural Beliefs
This study analyzes Fery Irwandi's persuasive communication style in the video "Dismantling the Lies of Santet and Indigo," focusing on message delivery strategies, communicator credibility, and audience response. The research aims to understand how persuasive communication can be used to dismantle myths and irrational beliefs that remain entrenched in society. The method used is qualitative, with a content analysis approach, based on in-depth observation of the verbal and nonverbal content displayed in the video. The study's results show that Fery Irwandi uses a combination of rational and emotional strategies to convey messages. Rationally, he emphasized the importance of critical thinking and of proving, through simple logic, the unsubstantiated claims of Santet and Indigo. Emotionally, he stirs the audience's feelings by highlighting the negative effects of mystical beliefs, such as social fear, conflict, and deception. The communicator's credibility is strengthened by serious expression, firm intonation, and consistent argument, making the message more trustworthy. The findings of this study are in line with persuasive communication theory, which emphasizes the importance of integrating rational, emotional, and credibility factors with the audience. In conclusion, effective persuasive communication not only conveys arguments but also builds critical literacy and encourages changes in people's mindsets.
Copyright (c) 2026 M. Ibnu Naufal Maskuri, Ali Ridho, Fitri Yanti, Ade Nur Istiani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The Medium is Viral: Reinterpreting McLuhan's Theory in Digital Da'wah Practice
This study examines the practice of digital da‘wah through the lens of classical communication theory, particularly the medium is the message (Marshall McLuhan) and simulacra (Jean Baudrillard). The phenomenon of da‘wah on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram reveals that virality is no longer merely a channel of distribution but has become the dominant medium that shapes message structures, aesthetics, and digital religious practices. A qualitative approach employing content analysis and interviews was used to explore how repetitive, short-form da‘wah content creates a religious hyperreality detached from transcendental references. The findings indicate that: (1) the digital da‘wah landscape has shifted from educative-transformative communication toward performative expression governed by algorithmic logic; (2) religious symbols are massively reproduced in uniform and emotional formats, generating sign repetition; and (3) virality itself has emerged as the medium reshaping da‘wah into a phenomenon of aesthetic religiosity, where audience reception is formed as instant collective emotion based on visual impressions and digital popularity. This study underscores the need for a critical reading of digital da‘wah content to avoid entrapment in superficial and illusory forms of religious consumption.
Copyright (c) 2026 Alhimni Fahma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The Virtual Ummah Model as an Arena of Contestation and New Authority Formation for Muslim Gen Z
This research aims to develop a theoretical framework for the Virtual Ummah to understand the mechanisms underlying the formation of digital religious communities among Generation Z Muslims on Instagram and TikTok. The scope of the research includes a thematic synthesis of five primary studies from 2020–2025, encompassing quantitative studies, virtual ethnography, qualitative studies, and systematic reviews on da'wah practices and social contestation. The method used is a systematic literature synthesis with the stages of finding extraction, thematic coding based on framework indicators, and cross-study synchronization to reveal patterns, mechanisms, and contradictions in the formation of socio-religious bonds. The synthesis results show that the Virtual Ummah formation is hybrid and polarized, meaning there is a shift in religious authority from traditional institutions to da'wah influencers who utilize platform affordances such as comment features, duets, stitches, and the use of text and audio to create digital religious practices such as online murojaah, digital waqf organization, and social media-based communal rituals. The analysis also reveals the dynamics of contestation between moderate and non-moderate groups, as well as the potential for the spread of misinformation due to the lack of formal verification mechanisms. The main conclusion is that the Virtual Ummah is an adaptive religious community model that offers peer-to-peer learning opportunities and 24/7 spiritual accessibility. Still, it also presents serious challenges related to polarization and disinformation. Therefore, further studies should use primary data to delve deeper into motivations, experiences, and power dynamics.
Copyright (c) 2026 Muh. Mahsya Nawaffani, Muh. Fajar Shodiq, Muh. Abyan Nugraha, Hamna Muzayyin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
A Cross-Generational Da’wah Strategy for Fostering an Understanding of Islam Among Generation Y and Generation Z in Aceh
The transformation of da'wah media has become a central issue in the dynamics of religious life across generations in Aceh, especially between Generation Y (millennials) and Generation Z, which has not been seen in da'wah. The striking differences in the patterns of understanding and practising Islam between the two generations indicate communication challenges and the need for da'wah strategies to bridge these differences effectively. Generation Y tends to access Islamic teachings through traditional channels such as dayah and study religion, and adheres to the authority of local ulama. Meanwhile, Generation Z forms an understanding of Islam through social media, digital da'wah, and "relatable" religious figures, with a more contextual and personal approach. In Aceh, the shift in Gen Z's religious orientation is active in digital da'wah content and online Islamic discussions, while Gen Y is more dominant in conventional religious forums. However, this gap can cause polarization, even tension, if not facilitated by an inclusive and adaptive da'wah approach to the character of each generation. Using descriptive qualitative methods and a field study approach in urban and semi-urban areas in Aceh, this study focuses on analyzing the effectiveness of da'wah media in uniting religious visions across generations. The study results found that the da'wah press, which combines traditional values with interactive digital formats, has greater reach and acceptance across generations. This study's novelty lies in submitting a collaborative da'wah model across generations that does not position generations as competitors but as partners in the ongoing process of interpreting Islam. This study is critical-constructive, emphasizing the importance of da'wah as a space for dialogue, not domination, to maintain socio-religious harmony amidst changing times.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jasafat Jasafat, Syahril Furqany, Syamira Balqis, Syukri Syamaun, Ridwan Muhammad Hasan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Interplay of Speech and Meaning in Digital Da’wah: A Speech Act Analysis of Adi Hidayat’s Sermon on Knowledge
This study investigates the interplay of speech and meaning in digital da’wah through a speech-act analysis of Adi Hidayat’s sermon “The Importance of Knowledge in Life.” The research is grounded in the understanding that language in a sermon is not merely an information-delivery medium but also a performative act that constructs deeper meanings and persuasive power. A qualitative descriptive method was employed on textual analysis of the sermon transcript using J. L. Austin’s speech act theory, which encompasses locutionary, illocutionary, and perlocutionary acts. The findings reveal that the sermon contains three main types of speech acts: informative (locutionary acts) elements that explain religious concepts, directive (illocutionary acts) elements that provide guidance and exhortations to the audience, and persuasive (perlocutionary acts) elements that generate motivational effects leading to personal transformation. These acts are not presented in isolation but are strategically combined to create a symmetrical relationship between speech and meaning. Such a strategic combination enhances the effectiveness of digital da’wah by integrating cognitive, affective, and conative dimensions of communication. In conclusion, this study affirms that speech act theory is a relevant framework for understanding digital da’wah as a performative communicative practice that not only transfers knowledge but also directs behaviour and fosters religious engagement among contemporary audiences.
Copyright (c) 2026 Faruq Alhasbi, Faticha Farach Adila, Muhammad Hammam Alizky https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Sexism in Social Media Comments: The Case of the X Account @txtdarifeminis
This study aims to map the typology and characteristics of sexist messages appearing in netizen comments on the X account (formerly Twitter) @txtdarifeminis, which actively reframes feminist narratives negatively as jokes or attacks. Despite the development of gender studies in Indonesia, a significant research gap remains because the dominant literature remains focused on mainstream media products. This study offers novelty by filling this gap through the analysis of user-generated content, where sexism is produced collectively and participatively. Using a qualitative content analysis approach within a constructivist paradigm, data were collected using data mining techniques in RStudio and the rtweet package. Of the 1,151 tweets collected, 106 were purposively selected as the primary unit of analysis. The research findings identified eight main dominant variants of sexism: (1) verbal demeaning of women; (2) constructing women as passive; (3) sexual objectification; (4) misconceptions and distortions of the feminist agenda; (5) negative stereotypical labeling of feminists; (6) justification of the domestication of women's roles; (7) glorification of masculine superiority; and (8) symbolic threats or punishments for women who violate norms. This study contributes to the study of gender communication by presenting a typology of sexism in the local context and offering practical recommendations for developing more inclusive content moderation and digital literacy policies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kurnia Indasah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The Reconfiguration of Digital Piety in Aceh: A Case Study of Teungku Inong on Instagram
This article examines how teungku inong—female Islamic educators and leaders in Aceh—use Instagram to mediate religious authority and piety within a historically male-dominated religious field. Employing a qualitative interpretive approach, the study draws on visual discourse analysis of selected Instagram posts from three teungku inong, focusing on visual composition, bodily comportment, spatial arrangement, and accompanying captions. The analysis is grounded in scholarship on digital religion, pious agency, and mediatization, particularly concepts of embodied piety, mediated authority, and critical but compliant agency. The findings demonstrate that Instagram does not generate new religious authority but operates as a mediating infrastructure that extends, archives, and amplifies authority already established offline. Epistemic authority is visualised through academic conferences, majelis taklim, and public forums; genealogical and institutional legitimacy is reinforced through references to sanad, proximity to senior ulama, and participation in formal religious bodies; while social engagement—such as environmental initiatives and women’s advocacy—functions as an extension of embodied moral discipline into the public sphere. Conceptually, the article argues that digital piety in this context is best understood as continuity and reconfiguration rather than rupture. Instagram translates embodied and relational practices into visible, repeatable, and networked forms, enabling teungku inong to consolidate religious authority across offline and online domains while remaining grounded in established religious norms.
Copyright (c) 2026 Putri Maulina, Irwan Abdullah, Wiwik Sushartami, Arifah Rahmawati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Da'wah Strategy of Nahdlatul Ulama's Fatayat PAC Management in Strengthening the Role of Women
This study examines the da'wah strategy employed by PAC Fatayat NU in Wonodadi District, Blitar Regency, in an effort to empower women. The primary issue is the underrepresentation of women in social, economic, and religious spheres. The focus of this study is to describe the da'wah strategy and its implementation form in empowering women through religious organizations. The method employed is qualitative descriptive analysis, incorporating the theory of da'wah strategy from Abu Al-Fath Al-Bayanuni. Data were obtained through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study revealed three da'wah strategies: a sentimental strategy (recitation of the Qur'an, routine religious studies, istighosah, and IHF community), a rational strategy (work meetings, socialization, and discussion of women's issues), and a sensory strategy (entrepreneurship skills training and social activities). This strategy is effective in increasing the active role of women in society and demonstrates that empowerment-based da'wah can create participatory spaces and foster social transformation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Hamdan Yuwafik, Kuffa Meldana Masty https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Politics Communication Based on Local Cultural Branding: A Critical Ethnographic Study of Cultural Festivals in Lamongan Regency
In 2023, the Lamongan Regency government released a schedule of 39 cultural festivals held from March to December. The Regent of Lamongan's involvement in each event, from the promotional stage, where his image was prominently featured on posters and billboards, to the implementation stage, where he was given a dedicated time and platform to address the public directly, is crucial for examining the underlying message behind these cultural festival programs and the extent to which the local government has developed and successfully implemented a local cultural branding program to promote Lamongan's local cultural wisdom without any political bias. This research aims to uncover the hegemony of power from a political communication perspective through an examination of the cultural festivals held. A qualitative approach using critical ethnography methods positions and embeds culture within a broader symbolic, social, economic, political, and historical context, rather than simply seeking recognition from its members. The research results indicate that cultural festivals serve as a form of political legitimacy by integrating local identity, promoting public participation, protecting heritage, and fostering economic empowerment. Political communication strategies encompass verbal, non-verbal, mass media, digital, and cultural forms, which are integrated to create an image of leadership that cares about regional culture. Future research could focus on countering hegemony through populist practices in festivals, both at the local and national levels. This could include delving deeper into how community groups, artists, cultural communities, academics, and activists construct counter-spaces against the dominant discourses and symbols of power reproduced through festivals.
Copyright (c) 2025 Moh. Dey Prayogo, Herlina Kusumaningrum https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Autopoiesis And Organizational Communication: How The Jember Fashion Carnaval Adapts Through Communicative Processes
This study examines the adaptation of the Jember Fashion Carnaval (JFC) organization to the dynamic social connectivity of its environment. Utilizing a qualitative approach and digital ethnography, the research analyzes the organization's responses, interpenetration, and adaptation strategies. Findings indicate that JFC demonstrates responsiveness through innovative carnival themes and diverse communication channels. However, limitations arise from programmatic constraints and individual influences within the organization. Furthermore, JFC's interpenetration into various societal sectors, including education, economy, and culture, shapes its policies and decisions. This adaptation manifests in the evolution of fashion design, event concepts, and community-inclusive management. This research contributes to understanding organizational adaptation within a rapidly changing socio-cultural context, highlighting the interplay between organizational systems and their environment. Employing Niklas Luhmann's social systems theory, specifically the concept of autopoiesis, this study offers a unique perspective on how JFC, as an organizational system, maintains its identity while adapting to its surroundings. The results provide valuable insights for the field of development communication and challenge traditional approaches that focus on internal organizational factors by emphasizing the importance of external factors in shaping organizational behavior.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohamad Hasan As'adi, Fransiskus Trisakti Haryadi, Alia Bihrajihant Raya, Hermin Indah Wahyuni https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
A Critical Discourse Analysis of Body Positivity and Female Sexuality Narratives on Social Media
This research examines critical discourse surrounding body positivity and women's sexuality on social media, with a focus on the Instagram account @ririebogar. The account was chosen because it has a significant influence on shaping the body positivity discourse among young women in Indonesia and actively discusses issues related to sexuality. Utilizing Fairclough's Critical Discourse Analysis framework, this study aims to examine how these narratives reflect, negotiate, and contest dominant norms related to body and sexuality in Indonesia. Data was collected from 25 posts during the period from January to December 2024, employing an in-depth qualitative approach. The findings suggest that this account actively challenges traditional beauty standards that often harm women, promoting self-acceptance through strong affirmative language and engaging visual representations. Text analysis reveals deliberate lexical choices that sharply contrast normative narratives with the transformative narratives offered by this account. The identified discursive practices demonstrate structured content production strategies that effectively leverage the mechanisms and features of digital platforms. However, this research also reveals the complexities that arise between empowerment and commodification in the context of evolving digital capitalism. Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of social media as both a space of resistance and an arena for the reproduction of hegemonic ideologies related to women's bodies and sexuality. This research is expected to provide new insights and a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamic relationship between social media, body culture, and women's sexuality in Indonesia.
Copyright (c) 2025 Pandu Alfiansyah, Hanna Shasyi Martina, Afifa Siti Rahma, Dini Safitri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Analyzing Generation Z's Internal Freedom Through Self-Concept Formation on Instagram
Generation Z forms its self-concept through Instagram. The process of forming this self-concept is related to the concept of internal freedom. This concept is used to observe the process by which Gen Z forms their self-concept on Instagram, specifically to determine whether this process is based on their own freedom or external intervention. The purpose of this study is to identify and offer new ways of understanding and applying Gen Z's internal freedom in their efforts to form their self-concept on Instagram. This study employs a qualitative approach, utilizing a phenomenological method and in-depth interviews with eight Gen Z informants who are active personal Instagram users. The study's results reveal five key findings. The first is that some Gen Zers understand that they are not free to form their self-concept on Instagram, yet feel free to do so; however, they are actually not free either, and have felt unfree, only to eventually realize their freedom in forming their self-concept. The fourth finding is that some Gen Zers feel constrained in forming their self-concept due to their own freedom, and the last finding is that some Gen Zers genuinely feel free in forming their self-concept on Instagram. Based on these results, Gen Z's understanding and application of their freedom in forming their self-concept on Instagram shows that Gen Z interprets every interaction they experience with others as a truth to be heeded, rather than rejected.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fristian Setiawan, R.A. Vita Astuti https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The Role of New Media towards the Way K-Pop Fans Do Fashion as Their Self Representation
Korean pop (K-pop) culture has become a global phenomenon, significantly influencing youth lifestyles and fashion trends, especially in countries like Indonesia. This study investigates how new media acts as a central platform through which K-pop fans engage with and adopt fashion styles inspired by idols, and how these styles are used for identity construction and self-representation. The research focuses on Indonesian youth aged 15–25 who actively follow BTS, EXO, and Blackpink, the groups with the largest and most engaged fandoms in the country. Using questionnaires and visual documentation from social media, this study draws on theories of new media, fandom, and self-representation. The findings reveal that new media platforms not only disseminate K-pop fashion trends but also empower fans to creatively express their social identity and sense of belonging through personalized fashion choices aligned with their fandom.
Copyright (c) 2025 Lambok Hermanto Sihombing https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Viral Humanitarian Imagery: The Impact of #AllEyesonRafah on Global Social Media Dynamics
This study examines the impact of viral humanitarian imagery, focusing on the AI-generated image campaign with the hashtag #AllEyesonRafah on global social media dynamics. It explores how the imagery influences public awareness and encourages responses to humanitarian issues in Rafah, Palestine. The study aims to identify a pattern linking social media use to social mobilization driven by humanitarian imagery. Data were collected through analysis of digital content posted by public figures and humanitarian organizations, employing a qualitative approach informed by relevant communication theories. Primary sources included posts by public figures such as Bella Hadid, Ariana Grande, and Paramore, which significantly increased engagement. The analysis integrates three theories: Mark Granovetter’s Social Network Theory to examine the viral spread of AI-generated imagery on platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok; Stuart Hall’s Representation Theory to analyze global public interpretations of these images; and Marshall McLuhan’s “Medium is the Message” Theory to assess how social media platforms and visual formats shape perception of the Rafah crisis. Findings indicate that viral humanitarian imagery not only raises awareness but also drives tangible global audiences. The study confirms social media’s role as an agent of social change, with its novelty lying in the detailed explanation of emotions in visual communication. The limitations of this study include the focus on one aspect of social media and the lack of longitudinal analysis, while suggestions for further research include a broader exploration of audience interactions and offline dimensions of similar phenomena.
Copyright (c) 2025 Teguh Luhuringbudi; Fitri Liza; Edi Kurniawan, Mowafg Abrahem Masuwd, Safa Husayn Alrumayh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Leveraging Social Media for Da’wah and Waqf: Al-Bahjah’s MIZKA Program in Enhancing Community Engagement and Pesantren Development
Al-Bahjah Islamic Boarding School in Cirebon has intensified promotional efforts to boost community participation in charitable giving, including donations and almsgiving, to support its land endowment (waqf) program and pesantren development through the MIZKA initiative, increasingly utilizing social media as a primary medium. This shift reflects a transition from conventional to digital da’wah models. This study examines the mechanisms of this transition, employing a qualitative approach informed by Anthony Giddens’ structuration theory to analyze interactions between social media and da’wah activities. Findings reveal that pesantren administrators, recognizing technological advancements, leverage social media to sustain da’wah’s core identity. They disseminate Qur’anic verses, hadith, and scholarly opinions to foster followers’ awareness and encourage contributions. The effectiveness of this approach is maintained through transparent social media posts showcasing construction progress and funds raised, establishing a new model of accountability. This indicates that tech-savvy preachers reconstruct social media not only as a tool for outreach but also as a platform for managerial transparency and responsibility.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mochamad Syaefudin, Andi Faisal Bakti, Nurul Islami https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The Development of Indonesian Press Freedom in the Period of Old Order (1950-1965)
Freedom of the press is a basic principle that affirms that communication and expression through various channels, including publications, must be seen as a right that can be exercised without restrictions. However, during the Old Order period (1950-1965), the condition of the press in Indonesia fluctuated. This research aims to explore more deeply about press freedom in the Old Order era. The method used in this study is a historical method with a qualitative approach. In 1950-1956, the Indonesian press enjoyed a significant degree of freedom, where they could criticize the government through the print media. However, starting in 1956, signs of a decline in press freedom began to be seen, caused by the Old Order government's discomfort with criticism made by the press. In 1958, the government began to control the press by requiring a Printing Permit. When President Soekarno consolidated his power and began the era of guided democracy (1959-1965), press freedom in Indonesia effectively ended. This resulted in the press being under the control of Sukarno's power, although the press succeeded in overthrowing the power after the G30S incident in 1965.
Copyright (c) 2025 Andi Sebastian, Ardi Tri Yuwono; Pieter-Jan Clumpers, Mustafa Basara https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Infographic Trends in Digital Media Communication from a Visual Communication Perspective
This study attempts to explore visual content on the Instagram account @pinterpolitik, which uses infographics as the main display. This researcher uses a qualitative-descriptive approach that analyzes the visual communication elements in the infographic display of the Instagram account @pinterpolitik. The criteria for selecting infographic content are based on the highest number of likes between March - April 2024. This study concludes that the @pinterpolitik account uses typography, illustration, and color play techniques in every infographic design displayed. Verbal and visual signs are intertwined to form an infographic display that is visually attractive and data-accurate.
Copyright (c) 2025 Intan Kurnia Syaputri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The Role of WhatsApp Social Media in the Spreading of Community-Based Bil Tadwin Preaching: A Case Study of Ustadz Hanan Attaki's Preaching Channel
This study examines the role of WhatsApp as a community-based da'wah bil tadwin media, focusing on Ustadz Hanan Attaki's da'wah channel, which uses a one-way communication format. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of WhatsApp in spreading da'wah to a wide and diverse audience, while exploring how this approach allows full control over da'wah content. Using a qualitative method with a case study approach, data were obtained through observation of message content, interviews with community members, and analysis of literature related to digital da'wah. The study results indicate that WhatsApp's one-way format effectively maintains the consistency of da'wah messages, reduces the risk of information distortion, and maximizes control of narrative quality. Messages delivered through the bil tadwin format, such as inspirational quotes, study materials, and calls for goodness, were well received without direct interaction. This shows that the one-way approach on WhatsApp provides advantages in controlling the quality of da'wah messages, maintaining narrative consistency, and reducing the risk of information distortion. Messages delivered through the bil tadwin format, such as inspirational quotes, study materials, and calls for goodness, were well received by the audience, even without direct interaction. In addition, the private nature of WhatsApp helps create an exclusive and focused environment for the da'wah community, where the audience feels more connected to the religious message being conveyed.
Copyright (c) 2025 Al Kahfi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Majelis Selawat as a Political Communication Medium in Indonesia
This study attempts to analyze the propaganda delivered by the Habib in PKB Bersholawat initiated by PKB’s Majelis Pesona. After the reformation, Majelis Selawat in Indonesia was utilized for various interests, including for conveying political messages. One of them was Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa (PKB) through the Majelis Pesona. Majelis Selawat in Indonesia became an effective medium for gathering large masses. Religion and politics touch the emotional and personal side of the congregation. Majelis Selawat are popular among Nahdliyin and Indonesian Muslims in general. PKB Bersholawat contains messages of da'wah and politics. PKB utilizes the Majelis Selawat as a medium of political communication to bring in the masses. PKB utilizes religious figures such as Habibs, Kiai, and Gus to achieve specific goals. With a qualitative approach and Jacques Ellul's propaganda theory, this study concludes that PKB utilizes the Majelis Selawat to convey political messages. The Majelis Selawat were chosen because they can bring in large numbers of Muslim masses and reflect PKB's identity as a party born from the aspirations of Nahdlatul Ulama members, with the jargon of the rahmatan lil alamin party. The propaganda used by PKB in PKB Bersholawat is a bandwagon, transfer, and glittering generalities, in the form of support for Muhaimin Iskandar to become president, which is conveyed through prayers read by a Habib.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abraham Zakky Zulhazmi, Andi M. Faisal Bakti https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The Influence of Instagram and Brand Image on College Enrolling Interest at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta
The purpose of this study was to measure the influence of Instagram and brand image on interest in enrolling in college at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta partially and simultaneously. This research approach uses quantitative research. This study used proportional stratified random sampling with 239 student respondents at SMAS Muhammadiyah 8 Ciputat and SMAN 8 South Tangerang City. The data collection technique was carried out using a questionnaire. The data analysis technique used multiple linear regression tests, namely the F and T-tests. This study found that Instagram and brand image positively and significantly affect interest in enrolling in college at the Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta, both partially and simultaneously. In conclusion, all hypotheses are accepted. Kata Kunci: komunikasi bisnis, instagram, citra merek, minat, mendaftar kuliah
Copyright (c) 2025 Dian Fauzalia, Sa'diyah El Adawiyah, Tria Patrianti, Aminah Swarnawati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Communication Strategy of Alfamart Corporate Communication Department in Maintaining Positive Company Image
This study explores Alfamart's communication strategy for maintaining a positive image amidst the challenges of the digital era and tight business competition. This study's background discusses the negligence of Alfamart store cashiers in providing prices that went viral in 2020. The study focuses on the importance of a strong corporate image as a strategic asset in maintaining consumer loyalty and managing public perception. The purpose of this study is to understand the strategies implemented by Alfamart's Corporate Communication Department, especially in responding to issues that can damage the company's reputation. This study uses a qualitative-descriptive approach with interviews, observations, and documentation. The primary informants are the staff of Alfamart's Corporate Communication Department, supported by store personnel as secondary informants. The data were analyzed using the Image Repair Theory by William L. Benoit and communication strategies by Scott M. Cutlip et al. The results of this study indicate that Alfamart implements communication strategies such as clarification through social media, two-way interaction with consumers, and strengthening positive messages through marketing campaigns and CSR programs. This strategy has effectively improved the company's image since the viral issue. However, this study also found that similar problems recurred in 2024, thus indicating the need for continuous evaluation and improvement in future communication strategies. This study emphasizes the importance of a structured communication strategy and periodic assessment to maintain a positive company image in the digital era.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mighty Razzaq Ath Thariq, Anjang Priliantini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Are Islamic Values Reduced and Dramatised in Memories of the Alhambra?
This study aims to explore the plot and analyse the Islamic values in the Korean drama Memories Of The AlHambra and how they are displayed in the drama. The study method applies descriptive qualitative, with a semiotic analysis approach from Roland Barthes. The study results show that the drama Memories Of The AlHambra in denotation meaning, which tells a game created to find the lost game master with various conflicts. The connotation meaning is that these two characters have their own habits, a very high ambitious spirit related to the development of their company, J-One Holdings. The myth in this scene is very pro and con because many say religion should not be "dramatised". There is no theory that Fatima's hand is the key to heaven but in the drama Muslims believe Fatima's hand is the key to heaven, therefore there is a legend about the gate of justice on the day the key to heaven meets Fatima's hand, the gate will be opened and the AlHambra palace will collapse. As for Islamic values, they are found in the drama, namely, the value of worship, moral values, sharia values, moral values, and local wisdom values. There are plot principles in this drama, namely plot of actions, plot of characters and plot of though.
Copyright (c) 2024 Nurhalisa, Nurhakki, Nahrul Hayat, Iskandar, Wahyuddin, Rustono Farady Marta https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Discourse on Suicide among Students at Yogyakarta Universities
Student suicide as a recent phenomenon is always discussed from a psychological and individualist perspective. Therefore, this research has a problem formulation of how regulated statements or discourse regarding DIY student suicide are formed. This research seeks to reveal knowledge about suicide by students. This knowledge is created by discourse. In Archeology of Knowledge (1972: 80), Foucault defines discourse as the "general domain of statement." This research is a type of qualitative research. The data collected is text data reporting suicides of Yogyakarta students. The analysis produces findings that strengthen Marsh's (2010) opinion that suicide cases in this era are seen in mental health discussions. With discussions about mental health, suicide is confused with a psychiatric medical lens that creates awareness of the importance of psychology in society. However, this view creates a reduction in the way suicide is viewed.
Copyright (c) 2024 Bagus Ajy Waskyto Sugiyanto https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
From Instagram to Campus: The Impact of Social Media Marketing on Students' Interest through Trust and Brand Recognition
This study evaluates the influence of social media marketing activities (SMMA) on prospective students' intentions to choose higher education institutions, considering the mediating role of brand recognition and trust. The study was conducted using a quantitative method with the Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) approach on 400 respondents who were followers of higher education institutions' Instagram accounts. The results showed trust was the most significant mediator between SMMA and prospective students' intentions (β = 0.709, T = 21.629). At the same time, brand recognition played a role in strengthening trust but did not directly influence prospective students' intentions (β = -0.018, T = 0.462). These findings emphasize the importance of building trust through authentic, relevant, and engaging social media content to improve educational marketing effectiveness. The implications of this study suggest that higher education institutions should prioritize trust-based marketing strategies integrated with brand recognition through social media. This strategy includes alumni testimonials, videos of campus atmosphere, and direct interactions that create emotional connections with prospective students.
Copyright (c) 2024 Agus Sriyanto, Purwanto, Zaenal Muttaqin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Social Criticism Da’wah Through Visual Works of @Terasdakwah During the COVID-19 Pandemic
This study aims to analyze the preaching message containing social criticism on the Instagram account @terasdakwah through a semiotic approach. The @terasdakwah account is a digital platform that actively spreads preaching content in a creative style relevant to current social issues. This descriptive qualitative study analyzes the meaning of the preaching message of social criticism (Tafriq) in a Visual Communication Design (VCD) work. The dissection of meaning in visual works uses the semiotic analysis knife of Sumbo Tinarbuko's visual communication and Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis. The results of this study show that: First, the connotative meaning revealed is that these visual works are a form of criticism of the government and society in general for the phenomena that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. The connotative level of meaning also found myths contained in the visual works studied, including the death of elderly Hajj pilgrims, the death of expertise, and prolonged frustration threatening mental health. Second, the message of social criticism (Tafriq) preaching contained in the three visual works uploaded by the Instagram account @terasdakwah is included in the first and second points in Alamsyah's theory. The first point is preaching as a correction for the reconstruction of social order, and the second point is preaching as an effort to institutionalize critical attitudes in Islamic society. Third, this study also shows that preaching is not only limited to religious rituals and formalities but can also be done by conveying social criticism. This research is hoped to provide scientific contributions to the study of preaching and communication science so that it can be a reference for further research on similar topics and discussions according to different contexts and objects of study.
Copyright (c) 2024 Farkhan Al Faiz, Akhmad Rifa'i https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Collaboration of Artificial Intelligence and Journalists in Online Media from the Perspective of Human-Machine Communication
This study aims to analyze the collaboration between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and journalists in online media using the Human-Machine Communication (HMC) approach. The research method used is a literature study. Data is processed using Miles and Huberman data analysis techniques. The results of this study indicate that AI is used in three primary stages of journalism: news gathering, news production, and news distribution. At the news gathering stage, AI assists journalists in collecting news materials from various sources and analyzing audience interest in specific topics. AI is used in news script creation, editing, and proofreading at the news production stage. AI chatbots and NLP programs help with automatic news writing and factual verification. Meanwhile, at the news distribution stage, AI is used for content personalization, news recommendations, and SEO optimization in online media. From the HMC perspective, collaboration between AI and journalists can be conceptualized as a unidirectional and two-way process. Collaboration between AI and journalists in a social context also occurs at the micro, meso, and macro levels, where interactions between humans and machines affect the social situation, the immediate reality of individuals, and the structure of society as a whole.
Copyright (c) 2024 Fiqih Rahmawati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0