*) By: Alva Raksa
Ahead of the 2024 simultaneous regional elections, hoaxes and false information often spread quickly through social media and short message applications. These hoaxes can create confusion, cause social tension, and damage the reputation of candidates or election organizers. Therefore, the public needs to increase their vigilance so as not to get caught up in the flow of misleading information and continue to actively participate in the democratic process wisely.
Hoaxes are not just false or inaccurate information, but are often created with a specific intention, such as shaping public opinion or damaging someone’s image. At political moments such as regional elections, the spread of hoaxes can have a direct impact on the democratic process. The public needs to understand that fake news that is spread can change their perceptions and choices. Even news that seems trivial can affect the final results of the election.
To avoid hoaxes, people need to know the signs of false information. Some of the characteristics are provocative or sensational titles, such as causing anger or fear, so that readers immediately share them without verifying their truth. In addition, hoaxes often come from unclear sources or fake sites and are spread through chain messages that ask recipients to immediately share with others. Edited images or videos and out-of-context narratives are also part of the pattern of hoax content manipulation.
Head of Bawaslu Dompu Regency, Swastari Haz said the importance of vigilance against hoaxes to maintain the quality of the simultaneous Pilkada. The rapid flow of information through social media requires a cautious attitude so that the public is not easily influenced by fake news that can trigger division and disrupt the democratic process. Bawaslu together with the KPU continue to encourage the public to be more careful in filtering information and ensuring that the news received comes from official and trusted sources. Socialization is also strengthened by inviting all parties to collaborate in combating hoaxes in order to maintain the smooth running of the election process.
Hoaxes not only harm candidates, but can also threaten social stability. The spread of false information has the potential to cause tension in society and reduce public trust in the election. Therefore, Bawaslu encourages the public to always verify every piece of information and play an active role in reporting circulating hoaxes. Public participation is considered very important so that the Pilkada takes place honestly, transparently, and maintains public trust in the democratic process.
The role of society is very important in preventing the spread of hoaxes. In addition to being careful, society also needs to think critically. It is important to always ask whether the information is a fact or an opinion, whether the source is reliable, and whether there is a hidden motive behind the information. With a critical mindset like this, the impact of the spread of hoaxes can be minimized. Information literacy is the key so that society is not easily provoked and is able to assess the truth of information independently.
Meanwhile. The government and media also have a big responsibility in increasing information literacy among the public. Socialization related to the dangers of hoaxes must be intensified, especially ahead of the regional elections. Various communication channels, both online and offline, can be utilized to reach the wider community. Mainstream media must also continue to present accurate and factual news, and play an active role in verifying circulating information.
Member of the Indonesian Anti-Slander Society (Mafindo), Heni Mulyati said that her party invited the public to be critical and not easily provoked by information that was not necessarily true. This step is expected to help maintain a conducive atmosphere in each region and ensure that the 2024 Pilkada runs honestly, transparently, and smoothly.
This is because success in combating hoaxes is highly dependent on active public participation. In addition to being careful in spreading information, the public also needs to dare to report hoaxes that are found. Several platforms provide reporting features, and Bawaslu accepts complaints related to hoaxes that have the potential to disrupt the election process. With this step, the spread of false information can be suppressed, and public trust in the democratic process is maintained.
The community can also play an active role by participating in digital literacy activities held by communities or related institutions. By participating in these activities, the community can better understand how hoaxes work and learn to protect themselves from false information. This participation is not only beneficial for oneself, but also for the surrounding environment because it can create a smarter and more critical society in receiving information.
Public awareness in dealing with hoaxes will have a positive impact on the democratic process. Elections that take place honestly and without interference from false information will produce leaders who are truly elected based on the will of the people. In addition, a critical and intelligent society will be more difficult to be influenced by false issues, thus creating a harmonious and democratic social environment. Cooperation between the community, government, and media is needed so that the Pilkada can run smoothly and maintain public trust in the democratic process.
*) The author is a contributor to medium.com media
