Disinformation and social media algorithms have become major factors shaping public opinion in the digital era. The challenges faced by today’s press differ greatly from those of the past. Whereas journalists once faced censorship and physical repression, today’s battleground has shifted to the digital sphere, where the flood of information, disinformation, and algorithmic bias pose new threats.
Student journalists and their alumni play a crucial role in safeguarding ethics, independence, and digital literacy to preserve freedom of thought amid rapid technological change and prevent it from being overtaken by algorithms.
These issues were discussed in the national seminar “Disinformation and Algorithms: How Digital Media Shapes Public Opinion,” held at the University Club, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), on Saturday (Nov. 2).
The event commemorated the 40th anniversary of UGM’s Badan Penerbitan dan Pers Mahasiswa (BPPM) Balairung and featured several speakers, including Chair of Kagama Persma, Dia Mawesti; Lecturer in Politics and Government at the UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol UGM), Dr. Abdul Gaffar Karim; Asia-Pacific Visual and Data Journalist for BBC News, Aghnia Adzkia; Executive Director of the Indonesian Cyber Media Association (AMSI), Elin Y. Kristanti; and member of the Independent Publisher Rights Committee, Fransiskus Surdiarsis.
Dia Mawesti noted that social media and news portal algorithms significantly influence how society interprets public issues. She explained that algorithms today are not merely tools for distributing information, but have become key actors in determining which problems garner public attention and which are overlooked.
“Technology, particularly algorithms, has become an ‘actor’ that powerfully shapes public opinion and perception, even deciding which issues are deemed important and which are overlooked,” said Mawesti.
She added that the challenges faced by journalists today differ vastly from those of past generations.
“We no longer face censorship and physical pressure as student press activists did 30 to 40 years ago,” she said.
“Now we confront disinformation, social media algorithms, and digital bias that influence how society understands reality.”
Commemorating four decades of BPPM Balairung, Mawesti reminded participants (comprising students, academics, UGM alumni, journalists, and media practitioners in Yogyakarta) of the importance of returning to the roots of student journalism as a space for dialectics and a guardian of public conscience.
“Student press institutions serve as the last bastion of objectivity amid the waves of digital manipulation,” she emphasized.
Dr. Abdul Gaffar Karim highlighted the impact of disinformation on the quality of modern democracy. According to him, disinformation has significantly contributed to the decline of democracy.
“This situation has worsened because it appears to be tolerated and even perpetuated by elites,” said Dr. Karim.
“Their main goal is to preserve their power by undermining public trust in state institutions.”
Aghnia Adzkia discussed the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the spread of disinformation. She acknowledged that while AI brings many benefits, it also presents serious challenges.
“AI has made many tasks easier, but it also introduces worrying issues. Collaboration among all parties is needed to address the growing impact of AI in reproducing disinformation,” she said.
Meanwhile, Elin Y. Kristanti explained that digitalization, while expanding access to information, has simultaneously eroded public trust in the mass media.
“Today, digitalization has reduced the public’s need to rely on traditional media for information. Yet, the media must continue to play its role in safeguarding democracy. We cannot leave democracy in the hands of netizens,” said Kristanti.
Fransiskus Surdiarsis, member of the Independent Publisher Rights Committee, raised concerns about irresponsible AI platforms that exploit media content without compensation. He warned that this practice endangers the sustainability of the media ecosystem.
“AI also plays a major role in spreading disinformation. Its presence has multiplied the production of false information. Increasingly, the information circulating online contains elements of deception,” he stated.
The 40-year journey of BPPM Balairung is not merely a milestone but a testament to the intellectual legacy, idealism, and critical spirit of generations of students. Through this seminar, the role of student journalists and their alumni is reaffirmed as essential in upholding ethics, independence, and digital literacy to preserve intellectual freedom in an era dominated by technology and algorithms.
UGM Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, also spoke about the ongoing relevance of student journalism. He emphasized that student journalists continue to play a crucial role in promoting freedom of expression, especially amid the current surge in disinformation and the rise of artificial intelligence.
“Each generation of student journalists faces its own era. What matters most is how their work can inspire today’s generation,” said Dr. Sujito.
He stressed that intergenerational dialogue remains crucial for addressing social issues. One of the most relevant roles of student journalism, he said, is creating spaces for discussion that foster critical thinking and freedom of speech.
“Talking about freedom of expression remains highly relevant today. This seminar is valuable if young people open themselves to dialogue. I hope the expanding spaces for freedom can be used wisely,” Dr. Sujito concluded.
Author: Lintang Andwyna
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Salwa