Algorithms of Social Media as Agents of Social Dynamics: Polarization, Popularity, and Public Participation in Indonesia
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Social media algorithms act as agents shaping social dynamics in Indonesia through a feedback loop mechanism that prioritizes user engagement. First, algorithms favor highly emotional content, triggering affective and identity polarization reinforced by echo chambers. Second, popularity metrics such as likes, shares, and watch time shift informational authority from traditional institutions to digital influencers, ushering in a post-truth era. Third, public participation becomes reactive and quantitative, while deliberative discourse is marginalized by the spiral of silence and cancel culture. Case studies of the 2024 elections demonstrate distinct patterns of polarization and popularity across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as demographic variations in algorithmic impact. These findings underscore the need for algorithmic transparency and improved digital literacy to safeguard digital democracy and inform policies balancing freedom of expression with misinformation mitigation.
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