SOCIAL MEDIA AND PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF DR. BETTA EDU’S SAGA

ABSTRACT This study investigated the role of social media during Dr. Betta Edu saga, examining its impact on public perception, civic engagement, and government credibility, identifying the extent of social media engagement during Dr. Betta Edu’s saga, assessing the way social media influencers’ role contributed in shaping the perception of the public concerning Dr. Betta Edu case and to understand how content curator and content loops contribute to the amplification of misinformation and polarization during the scandal. Utilizing a survey method with a purposive sampling technique, the research assessed the extent of social media engagement, the influence of social media influencers on public opinion, and the role of content curators in the spread of misinformation and polarization. The findings revealed that social media engagement varied across platforms, with Facebook being the most influential. Influencers were found to play a controversial role in shaping public opinion, often disseminating misinformation and exacerbating polarization. Additionally, content curators tended to prioritize sensational or misleading information, worsening these issues. Consequently, the study recommends implementing social media literacy programs to enhance users' critical analysis skills, strengthening regulations for greater transparency and accountability among social media platforms and influencers, and encouraging collaboration among social media platforms, government agencies, and civil society organizations to promote ethical discourse. Further research is also suggested to assess the long-term effects of social media on public trust and democratic institutions, as well as to explore additional solutions for mitigating negative consequences. Ultimately, the study concludes that social media platforms and influencers significantly impact public perception during political scandals and emphasizes the need for literacy programs, regulatory strengthening, collaborative efforts, and further research to address these challenges.