Communities play a role in countering the harmful effects of social media algorithmic echo chambers

Jakarta (ANTARA) — Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria highlighted the role of communities and society, including indigenous communities, in countering the harmful effects of echo chambers created by the sophistication of algorithms on social media.

In an official statement confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday, Nezar noted that existing digital connectivity allows information to spread quickly, with algorithms causing that information to circulate even more widely. The speed of information dissemination needs to be balanced with public engagement, because not all information circulating in the echo chamber as a result of algorithms is accurate, and it may even be misleading.

“It is extremely important for friends in communities to take on the task of countering disinformation and misinformation,” Nezar said during the “Rural ICT Camp 2026” discussion, which carried the theme “Meaningful Community Internet for Climate Resilience and Citizens’ Self-Reliance”.

“Algorithms create echo chambers — that is what governs us now. Platforms create filter bubbles,” Nezar said.

For people who are not discerning and not equipped with proper digital literacy, this situation can be difficult, because ultimately they struggle to find accurate information amid the flood of information received daily from social media.

Therefore, the expansion of telecommunications networks must be accompanied by strengthening people’s capacity to use the internet wisely and beneficially. In addition, communities and indigenous peoples must also take on a role based on local values and wisdom as one layer of defence against the harmful effects of the application of this technology.

“Communities and indigenous peoples need to draw up local strategies and policies to filter out negative content prohibited by custom,” Nezar said.

Reflecting on this situation, Nezar expressed hope that communities focused on digitalisation and indigenous communities could take part, so that the digital connectivity built by the government can deliver real positive impact.

That way, interactions among Indonesians can be warm not only in the real world, but also in the digital space, which mirrors the real world.

“Connectivity must give birth to meaningful connectivity, impactful connectivity — connectivity that is meaningful, connectivity that has an impact. That is what we all want,” Nezar said in closing.