Digital Media and Society
Research Group
Advancing rigorous academic inquiry into digital media, communication technologies, and societal transformation in Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific.
Introduction
The era of rapid digital transformation has fundamentally reshaped how media operates, how information is produced and consumed, and how society interacts through digital platforms. The Digital Media and Society Research Group (DiMS-RG) at Universitas Hasanuddin was established to address these complex, intersecting challenges through rigorous academic inquiry.
Based in the Department of Communication Sciences, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Universitas Hasanuddin, this TRG brings together researchers who share a commitment to understanding the dynamic relationship between digital media technologies and societal transformation — from the rise of artificial intelligence in journalism to social media’s role in public discourse, digital literacy, and cultural representation.
The group contributes to Universitas Hasanuddin’s vision as a globally competitive university (IMPACT program) by fostering high-impact publications, collaborative research networks, and evidence-based contributions to media policy and practice in Indonesia and beyond.
Mission
Produce high-quality, internationally indexed research on the nexus of digital media, communication technologies, and social change.
Build collaborative research networks with national and international partners in media studies, digital journalism, and communication science.
Develop postgraduate research capacity by engaging doctoral and master’s students as active members of the research group.
Generate policy-relevant research insights that contribute to responsible digital media governance, media literacy, and democratic information ecosystems.
Aims
Advance theoretical and empirical understanding of how digital media platforms shape social, cultural, and political life.
Produce a minimum of two Scopus-indexed publications per year and contribute regularly to Google Scholar-indexed journals.
Support the Sustainable Development Goals through research on quality education, digital inclusion, transparent institutions, and global partnerships.
Strengthen Universitas Hasanuddin’s global research reputation and contribute to its Top 500 QS World University Ranking target.
Research Sub-themes
Investigates the integration of AI tools — automated writing, algorithmic curation, and generative AI — into newsroom practices. Focuses on journalistic roles, editorial standards, AI ethics, and data-driven storytelling.
Analyses how film, broadcasting, photography, and digital audiovisual content construct and mediate cultural identities. Examines representation, indigenous media, and the politics of visual storytelling in Indonesian society.
Explores how social media platforms facilitate or disrupt public communication, political participation, and state resilience. Includes analysis of disinformation ecosystems, echo chambers, and platform governance in Indonesian and global contexts.
Examines strategies and policies for building media literacy competencies in diverse communities, with attention to youth, digital citizens, and vulnerable populations. Connects to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
Studies the architecture, governance, and societal effects of digital platforms and algorithmic systems. Addresses how recommendation engines, filter bubbles, and platform policies shape information access, public opinion, and representation.
Examines how organisations, governments, and individuals use strategic digital communication — public relations, personal branding, and risk communication — to shape public perception and manage information in the digital age.