MANIPULASI OPINI PUBLIK MELALUI MEDIA SOSIAL DALAM PERSPEKTIF KRIMINOLOGI KONTEMPORER: PENGGUNAAN BUZZER PADA MOMENTUM POLITIK

Abstract

The digital transformation in Indonesia has transformed the political communication landscape, shifting from conventional media to more dynamic social media platforms. However, this development has also brought negative consequences in the form of systematic manipulation of public opinion, particularly through the use of buzzers, anonymous accounts, and bots during political moments. This paper analyzes this phenomenon through the perspective of contemporary criminology and criminal law policy in Indonesia. Using the 2019 General Election as a case study, it is found that opinion manipulation is a form of cybercrime that exploits the anonymity and speed of information technology to create social polarization. Addressing this phenomenon requires an integrated approach that combines penal (law enforcement) and non-penal (digital literacy and platform collaboration) policies.