The Role of Social Media in Building Political Discourse: Political Polarization, UU ITE and Echo Chambers

Abstract

This research examines the role of social media and legal analysis in shaping political discourse in Indonesia. As social media platforms have become increasingly dominant as the main arena for political engagement, their impact on public opinion and political processes has increased significantly. This research explores how social media influences political awareness, mobilization and polarization among Indonesians. The analysis focuses on the mechanisms of framing and narrative construction used by political actors to influence public opinion and the resulting effects on political behavior and attitudes. It also investigates the phenomenon of echo chambers and their contribution to political polarization, highlighting the interplay between the algorithms that govern content delivery and the patterns of user interaction. Through a combination of content analysis, surveys and case studies, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic relationship between social media and political discourse. The findings show that while social media increases political participation and democratizes access to information, it also poses challenges such as the spread of disinformation and increased political divisions. The research concludes with recommendations for policymakers, social media platforms and civil society to foster a more informative and cohesive political environment. In the context of the ITE Law in Indonesia, it is worth noting that this regulation plays an important role in regulating content spread on social media, including in the context of political discussions. ITE Law regulates the use of information and electronic technology with quite broad provisions, including content that can be considered offensive or violate certain norms.