Research Reveals Alleged Use of Buzzers and AI in New Government
A recent study conducted by Monash University Indonesia, Tempo, and SAFEnet highlights a new phenomenon in the country's political landscape. The report reveals the alleged practice of 'influence operations' carried out under the administration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
In these findings, the researchers highlight the use of two primary instruments in spreading specific narratives within the digital space. The use of buzzers on social media is cited as one of the main tools for shaping public opinion according to the wishes of certain parties.
In addition to the use of human labor, this research also notes the involvement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. This technology is suspected to be used to accelerate the dissemination of information and manipulate social media conversations so that they appear more organic and massive.
These influence operations are considered to have a significant impact on how the public receives information regarding government policies. The use of a combination of buzzers and AI is seen as a new, more sophisticated strategy for directing public opinion in the current digital era.
These findings from Monash University Indonesia, Tempo, and SAFEnet are expected to serve as important material for public discussion regarding information transparency. The public is now encouraged to be more critical in sorting through the information circulating on social media so as not to be easily influenced by systematically created narratives.