Emotional Manipulation and Public Opinion Formation through Viral Content: A Case Study of the #KaburSajaDulu Hashtag on Social Media Platform X

This study aims to analyze how the viral hashtag #KaburAjaDulu on social media platform X is used as a persuasive communication tool in shaping public opinion through emotional manipulation. Using a descriptive qualitative approach and content and framing analysis methods, this research explores tweets containing the hashtag, focusing on language usage, emotional expression, and public responses. The findings reveal that this hashtag employs emotional communication strategies such as anger toward government policies, fear of an uncertain future, and excitement about better opportunities abroad. These strategies effectively accelerate message dissemination, shape a collective narrative of migration as a solution, and emotionally engage the audience. Additionally, the hashtagged content raises ethical concerns, including the potential for opinion manipulation and social polarization in digital spaces. In conclusion, the hashtag #KaburAjaDulu is not merely a spontaneous trend but a form of strategic communication that powerfully frames public discontent, underscoring the importance of digital literacy and ethical awareness in using social media as a platform for shaping public opinion.