Netizens Anonymity in Indonesia’s Digital Democracy: Political Participation in Social Media According to the Online Disinhibition Effect Theory

Abstract

The growth of social media in Indonesia has contributed to the increasing number of online political participation by the public. This phenomenon has brought forward the discussion regarding the pros and cons of online political participation, related to the participants’ identity. The lack of traceability regarding the participants’ identity has posed some questions, some of which are the accountability and legitimacy of opinions that are found on online political discussions.This research seeks to achieve comprehensive understanding on anonymity in political participation. By applying the theory of online disinhibition effect, this research attempts to explain the dynamic of anonymity, its implication towards political participation in social media, and to examine the consequences of anonymity towards the quality of digital democracy. Through survey, focus group discussions, and in depth interviews, this research address to achieve a comprehensive understanding towards the issues. The research findings show that the varied degrees of anonymity employed by citizens affect their social media usage and political participation. In addition, anonymity can be understood as the citizens’ coping mechanism from various possible consequences, such as legal and social retribution for both personal and professional context.

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