Polarization and Political Mental Health on TikTok in the 2024 Jakarta Gubernatorial Election

Umaimah Wahid, Raden Wahyu Utomo Martianto, Deddy Mulyana, Rocky Prasetyo Jati

Abstract


Political polarization on social media is becoming increasingly massive ahead of electoral contests, including in the 2024 Jakarta Regional/Gubernatorial Election. This dynamic has the potential to increase psychological stress and affect users' political mental health. This study aims to analyse how political polarization on TikTok strengthens echo chambers and impacts young voters' political mental health. With a qualitative approach, this study uses discourse analysis methods, in-depth interviews with young voters, political influencers, and political communication experts, as well as participant observation of content discussing candidate pairs number 1 (Ridwan Kamil-Suswono) and number 3 (Pramono Anung-Rano Karno). Research findings reveal systemic failure of TikTok's algorithm, which creates political polarization through structured cognitive manipulation, exploiting users' confirmation bias to maintain engagement without considering mental health impacts. The platform operates as a social fragmentation mechanism that impedes democratic deliberation, creating echo chambers that erode Indonesia's young generation's critical thinking capabilities. Findings demonstrate normalization of digital violence and political dehumanization that threatens social stability. Fundamental reform of algorithmic architecture and comprehensive regulation are required to prevent corporate exploitation of Indonesia's democratic processes, alongside the necessity for more inclusive platform policies and digital literacy strategies to foster openness toward diverse political perspectives, thereby minimizing polarization's negative impacts on society's political mental health. 

 

Keywords: Political polarization, TikTok, echo chamber, political mental health, 2024 Jakarta regional/gubernatorial election.

 

https://doi.org/10.17576/JKMJC-2026-4201-07


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