TikTok Takes Over: How Social Media is Reshaping News in Indonesia
As traditional news outlets grapple with declining trust, vibrant and short-form platforms like TikTok are revolutionizing how Indonesians consume news. According to 360info.org, over 60% of Indonesians show ambivalence towards traditional news, turning instead towards the swift and visually engaging social media landscapes.
A Wave of Skepticism Against Traditional News
More than half of Indonesians are now turning to social media for news, signaling a dramatic shift in informing habits. The Reuters Institute Digital News Report revealed that the trust deficit continues as television, print, and online news sources fail to engage audiences meaningfully. The skepticism is highest among the youth, leading to significant implications for journalism’s future in the region.
TikTok: The New Gateway to Information
Short video platforms, particularly TikTok, captivate the Indonesian populace. From a mere 11% in 2021, TikTok now commands the attention of 34% of the population by 2025, offering tailored news snippets that conveniently fit into their daily social media engagement. This trend is more pronounced among young adults, 50% of whom now rely on social sites as their principal news feed.
The Challenge of ‘News Avoidance’
With trust declining, news avoidance is on the rise, with 75% of Indonesians steering clear of mainstream news outlets. The reasons range from overwhelming political coverage to mood-dampening conflict news—demonstrating a broader disengagement from traditional media narratives. Many viewers feel fatigued by incessant news streams, pushing them towards platforms that provide control over what they consume.
The AI-Powered Future of News
AI’s role in news production is growing in Indonesia. Almost one-third of individuals embrace AI-generated news summaries, appreciating its ability to translate content into numerous native languages. As the country boasts an array of 746 local languages, AI provides a bridge to more inclusive news delivery, simultaneously introducing AI chatbots to almost 9% of the news-seeking audience.
Mainstream Media’s Path to Retention
Though mainstream news faces dwindling views, innovation offers potential restoration paths. Efforts in news literacy and education hint at a remedy, potentially strengthening public trust and encouraging payment for credible journalism. As the news industry evolves, integrating AI responsibly while boosting transparency could herald a new era of trust and engagement.
A challenging yet promising frontier in journalism awaits Indonesia as it juggles traditional integrity with new-age flexibility. How effective it will be in balancing these disparate elements will chart the course for its next information age.
