The Role of TikTok Influencers Supporting Serena Francis in building Political Image in the 2024–2029 Kupang Mayoral and Deputy Mayoral Election in the Eyes of Generation Z

Hilmiyatillah Mokhsen; Aloysius Liliweri; Rudi Rohi

doi:10.55927/ijis.v4i11.668

Authors

Hilmiyatillah Mokhsen Universitas Nusa Cendana
Aloysius Liliweri Universitas Nusa Cendana
Rudi Rohi Universitas Nusa Cendana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/ijis.v4i11.668

Keywords:

TikTok, Influencers, Generation Z

Abstract

Social media has become the primary medium for disseminating political messages, shaping public opinion, and building the image of candidates in the eyes of society. Among the various platforms available, TikTok occupies a special position as a new space for political communication that reaches young audiences in a more creative and emotional way. The aim of this study is to analyze how the communicator credibility of TikTok influencers supporting Serena Francis is constructed in digital political campaign content during the 2024 Kupang City Regional Election, as well as how this credibility influences Generation Z voters' perceptions of the CSan candidate pair. It also seeks to identify and explain the factors that shape the perception of communicator credibility of TikTok influencers in the eyes of Generation Z voters, such as personal appeal, expertise, trust, and authenticity. The results of this study are: Communicator credibility becomes the key factor in shaping political image in digital spaces, the integration of local culture in East Nusa Tenggara strengthens the effectiveness of digital political communication, Generation Z interprets political messages through a balance between rationality and emotionality, and TikTok becomes a new space for local democracy and youth political participation

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