UNAIR NEWS – The alarming “death of expertise” phenomenon continues to escalate, as popular, sensationalist content increasingly overshadows expert insights, particularly on social media. In today’s post-truth era, people are more likely to trust influencers than specialists in various fields.
Angga Prawadika Aji, a Communication lecturer at Universitas Airlangga’s Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), recently discussed this trend, attributing it to two main factors: shifts in political dynamics and the growing dominance of social media.
“Post-truth is linked to two primary factors: the evolution of political dynamics and the popularity of social media. Together, these factors have defined post-truth as a phenomenon that sparks considerable debate, particularly on what is referred to as the ‘death of expertise,” he explained.
Power of Social Media
Aji highlighted how social media has greatly impacted the value of expert opinion, creating an equal platform for all voices, regardless of experience or knowledge.
“Umberto Eco, the noted semiotician, described social media as a major problem. It amplifies the voices of those without expertise, putting their opinions on par with those who have a solid, responsible foundation in their field,” he added.
Consequently, society increasingly values information based on likes, views, or popularity, rather than research or factual accuracy. This shift not only blurs the lines between fact and opinion but also endangers the standing of scientific knowledge in the public eye.
“Social media platforms are designed to quantify attention and validation. So, when we encounter a post with few likes, we automatically perceive it as less credible,” Aji explained.
Echo Chamber Effect
Aji noted that society’s reliance on popular figures—particularly influencers—further fuels this issue, especially among those lacking digital literacy. Such individuals often trust familiar sources without questioning their credibility or expertise.
This behavior drives the “echo chamber” effect. “Echo chambers occur when people only consume information that aligns with their beliefs, actively rejecting any opposing views,” Aji said. He stressed that limited literacy and critical thinking skills make Indonesians especially vulnerable to misinformation and sensationalism from high-profile figures.
“If we don’t improve societal literacy soon, we risk creating a generation that struggles to distinguish between popular opinions and credible facts. Ultimately, this could lead to widespread misinformation, where popularity becomes the sole measure of truth,” Aji concluded.
Author: Anggun Latifatunisa
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
