Monetization, the Economic Factor Behind News Viral

JAKARTA - Before social media, news and information passed through various filters, from journalists to editors. This process prioritizes editorial principles that are expected to be able to maintain diversity of viewpoints.

But now, algorithms have taken over that role. When we open platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, we no longer see all sorts of information randomly.

But now, algorithms have taken over that role. When we open platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, we no longer see all sorts of information randomly.

In an increasingly connected world, social media has become a key tool in shaping public views and opinions. However, there is an element that is rarely seen behind every feed we scroll, namely the algorithm. Social media algorithms now act as editors that determine what we see and what we don't, who is heard, and who is ignored.

The algorithm works behind the scenes, determining what we should see based on our preferences, history of interactions, and personal data.

The case that recently occurred, the case of the Creative Content Phenomenon on social media, has again hit the limits of ethics and child protection laws. Such as the "rent a girlfriend" case involving students in uniforms at high schools in Tasikmalaya Regency and City, West Java. From the KPAI's investigation, there was subtle sexual abuse, child growing with money.

The case became the attention of the West Java Regional Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAID). Because they were tempted to monetize it to the point of violating ethical and legal boundaries of child protection, until the case was reported to the police and the individual became a suspect.

The Minister of PPPA conveyed that sexual violence against children in the digital space, such as sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and grooming, according to him, is still often not realized by the community.

According to him, learning from cases of child violence in the digital realm and to ensure comprehensive protection for Indonesian children, Deputy Minister for the Empowerment of Women and Child Protection (PPPA) Veronica Tan emphasized, "Handling digital crimes against children requires a comprehensive approach involving ministries and agencies, law enforcement, and international partners," he said.

In the digital age, public attention has turned into the most valuable commodity. Every click, view, and comment has an economic value that can be turned into revenue through advertising, sponsorships, or platform partnerships. In this ecosystem, virality is no longer just a social phenomenon, but also a business strategy.

Many content creators and even mainstream media are starting to design provocative titles, sensational narratives, and emotionally provocative pieces of information in order to lure traffic. The content that spreads the fastest is often not the most accurate, but rather the most provoking anger, fear, or curiosity.

The Conflict between Journalism and Algorithms

This is where the conflict between the idealism of journalism and the demands of algorithms arises. In principle, journalism is built on fact-checking, information balance, and public accountability. However, the algorithms of digital platforms prioritize content that gets the most interaction.

As a result, complex news stories that require in-depth explanation often lose out to bombastic headlines or overly simplified narratives. Editorial rooms that used to debate ethics must now also think about "click optimization", airtime, and keywords that search engines like.

On the other hand, there is an interesting comparison between independent creators and large media. Independent creators are often seen as more free because they are not tied to the interests of large corporations. They can speak directly to the audience and build a loyal community.

But that freedom also carries risks: without strong editorial standards, some creators get caught up in the same race for virality - seeking sensation, cutting context, or exaggerating issues to stay relevant on the timeline.

Meanwhile, large media, although having stronger resources and verification systems, are also not completely immune from economic pressure. Competition with digital platforms makes them adapt to traffic logic.

This phenomenon creates a broader dilemma about the future of public information. When human attention becomes the currency, truth often has to compete with speed and sensation. Accurate information takes time, research, and caution - while algorithms value speed and emotion. In these conditions, the line between journalism, opinion, and entertainment is becoming blurred.

The question then becomes a very basic one, when money and traffic become the main goal, is truth still a priority? The answer is probably not black and white. There are still journalists and creators who try to maintain integrity, but they have to work within the attention economy system that continues to encourage compromise.

The future of digital public spaces will likely be determined by the extent to which communities, media, and platforms are able to balance between business needs and responsibility towards truth. Without that balance, virality could continue to increase - but the quality of truth will actually decrease.

In order to protect women, children, and the entire community from the risk of false pornographic content produced using artificial intelligence technology, the Government through the Ministry of Communication and Digital has temporarily cut off access to Children under 16 years of age to postpone the temporary enforcement of access to schools social media platforms such as Youtube, X platform, and Tiktok on the grounds of a digital emergency.

In addition to the postponement rule, the Minister of Communication and Digital RI, Meutya Hafid, restricted access to social media, to high-risk children such as platforms, YouTube, Tik Tok and the X platform.

They are considered high-risk, due to exposure to pornography, fraud, bullying, addiction. The step taken may not be initially comfortable to seize this step is taken to seize our digital sovereignty, in the midst of a cyber emergency, for that it is done gradually on August 28. Closing it The government is present for the best step, we believe in fighting the algorithm giant. "The technology should humanize people, not bury our children," he said.