INJECT (Interdisciplinary Journal of Communication)

Parasocial Relationships as a Mediator of YouTube Vlog Credibility and Gen Z Travel Intentions

2025-07-10T06:34:07+00:00

This study examined the influence of message credibility in educational travel vlogs on Generation Z’s travel intention, with parasocial relationships as a mediating variable. Using a quantitative descriptive approach and SEM-PLS analysis, data were collected from 400 active viewers of the YouTube channel @leonardoedwin. The results showed that message credibility had a significant effect on travel intention (β = 0.783) and parasocial relationships (β = 0.186). Parasocial relationships also significantly influenced travel intention (β = 0.512) and partially mediated the effect of message credibility (β = 0.401). These findings supported the Two-Step Flow Communication Theory, where content creators act as opinion leaders who influence audience behavior through emotional connection. The study concluded that a combination of informational credibility and parasocial engagement played a crucial role in shaping persuasive communication, particularly in fostering travel intention among Gen Z audiences in the digital era.

Developing Learning Communication Media in Science Education: Improving Critical Thinking and Honesty in Seventh Grade

2025-07-17T15:28:53+00:00

Communication is the most important means of conveying goals; poor communication can lead to the failure of expected goals. This can also occur during the learning process at school. This study aims to enhance students' critical thinking skills and develop their honest character by utilising digital communication media. This research approach utilises R&D combined with the ADDIE model to produce a means of communication between teachers and students in the form of Google Sites learning media integrated with Canva. Experts then validated the resulting learning media to ensure strong results for use in learning. Experts also validated the critical thinking test instrument and the honest character observation sheet to ensure that strong, reliable instruments would be used. The sample of this study consisted of class VII D students of MTsN 2 Jember in the 2024/2025 academic year, who were selected using a purposive sampling technique. The data analysis technique employed N-Gain and was followed by an independent sample t-test, which was subsequently evaluated using Cohen's d test. The results showed that students' critical thinking skills increased to a high category (Cohen's d = -4.501). There was also an increase in students' character scores, which were in the high category (Cohen's d = -5.386). These results suggest that effective communication media can enhance students' critical thinking skills and character. Teacher communication with students using digital media can overcome students' learning difficulties, increase their interest and motivation to learn, and improve their critical thinking skills. Rules regarding assignments and how to monitor them in learning through the Google Sites application train students' character of honesty. Students also responded enthusiastically to the presence of this media. The fatigue they previously experienced in conventional learning was alleviated by delivering more engaging lessons with fresh themes and animations on the Canva display, integrated with Google Sites.

Symbolic Convergence and Fantasy Themes in Community-Based Ecotourism Communication: A Case Study of Pokdarwis Situ Gede

2025-07-10T05:01:04+00:00

Situ Gede is an ecotourism destination in Bogor City that combines the attractions of a lake ecosystem and a forest. Situ Gede ecotourism is a community-based ecotourism site managed by the Local Kelompok Sadar Wisata (Pokdarwis) Situ Gede. Communication interactions within Pokdarwis generate various fantasy themes, which then form symbolic convergence (Bormann, Cragan, & Shields, 2001). These fantasy themes flow through both offline and online communication via WhatsApp group. This research aims to understand how the fantasy themes formed within Pokdarwis Situ Gede relate to the principles of ecotourism development. This study is qualitative, employing several methods, including virtual ethnography, observation, and interviews. The findings reveal that the rhetorical vision of Pokdarwis Situ Gede can be divided into four pillars: environmental education, conservation, community empowerment, and livelihood enhancement.

Applying the Brand Identity Prism to the Development of a Sustainable Coffee Edutourism Destination in Sumbertangkil Village, Malang, Indonesia

2025-07-17T15:30:15+00:00

Sustainable tourism has become a global priority due to its significant economic impact. In Indonesia, coffee one of the country’s leading agricultural commodities holds considerable potential for development through locally based edutourism initiatives. This study aims to identify the brand identity dimensions of coffee-themed edutourism in Sumbertangkil Village, Malang, using Jean-Noël Kapferer’s Brand Identity Prism (BIP) framework. An exploratory qualitative methodology was applied, involving focus group discussions with Pokdarwis administrators and local community members in Sumbertangkil. The findings reveal that the brand identity of this coffee destination is shaped by the synergy among the dimensions of personality, relationship, and self-image, supported by attributes such as warmth, participatory engagement, and educational experiences. A key challenge identified is the lack of consistency in visual identity elements, such as logos and a cohesive branding system for the destination. This study highlights the importance of community involvement and the integration of sustainability values as essential foundations for differentiation and for strengthening the brand of this coffee edutourism destination.

Culturally Based Religious Moderation Communication in Bagansiapiapi for Interfaith Harmony

2025-07-16T14:52:37+00:00

This study explores religious moderation communication in fostering interreligious harmony in Bagansiapiapi, Rokan Hilir, Riau. It focuses on three aspects: (1) community understanding of religious moderation, (2) communication practices that support interfaith harmony, and (3) supporting and inhibiting factors in promoting religious coexistence. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through field observation, interviews, and documentation involving religious leaders, community figures, local authorities, organizations, and multireligious communities. Findings reveal that religious moderation in Bagansiapiapi is deeply embedded in the local culture, with core values such as national commitment, tolerance, anti-violence, and acceptance of cultural diversity shaping daily interactions. Communication of religious moderation is practiced through inclusive and symbolic interactions based on Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) and Symbolic Interactionism. Key enablers include inclusive cultural values, proactive community leadership, and empathy-driven communication. Challenges arise from the absence of permanent interfaith youth forums and limited institutional support. The novelty of this research lies in three contributions: (1) the formulation of a Cultural-Accommodative Communication Model, where symbolic convergence fosters organic interfaith engagement; (2) positioning religious moderation as a community-based collective identity rather than a top-down directive; and (3) demonstrating how religious and national symbols function as active instruments of moderation communication. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of sustainable religious harmony strategies in other multicultural settings.

Mapping Publication Trends of Influencer Marketing and Digital Political Campaigns: A Bibliometric Analysis

2025-07-10T05:03:35+00:00

This paper aims to identify trends and map research on the role of influencer marketing in digital political campaigns, which has been a focus among academics and practitioners. The method used in this study is qualitative research with a literature review approach. The study found that influencer marketing has increased significantly between 2019 and 2023, successfully building credibility and reaching a wider audience on social media platforms. However, challenges include the spread of false information and the polarization of public opinion. The study concludes that influencer marketing can encourage voter participation and improve political literacy, but ethics and transparency are crucial to maintaining public trust. This research provides strategic insights for maximizing inclusive, data-driven digital political campaigns.

Leveraging Psychological Storytelling and LinkedIn Content Strategy for Brand Awareness in the Training Industry: A Case Study of Relasi Diri

2025-07-11T09:43:45+00:00

This study aims to examine the digital content strategy on LinkedIn implemented by Relasi Diri, a personal growth and professional training company based in Indonesia. The objective is to understand how LinkedIn content contributes to building brand awareness and fostering audience engagement in the training industry. The research focuses on how storytelling, psychologically based messages, and personal branding strategies are applied to enhance the company’s positioning and credibility on a professional platform. The object of the research is the official LinkedIn page of Relasi Diri, particularly its content from January to May 2025. The study uses a qualitative case study method, collecting data through in-depth interviews with the founder, content analysis, and observation of audience interactions. Findings indicate that consistent value-based content, combined with a humanistic tone and expert narratives, effectively increases organic engagement, builds trust, and, when integrated with SEO, drives high-intent digital traffic. The use of psychological storytelling and thought leadership positions Relasi Diri not only as a service provider but also as an educational voice in the industry. In conclusion, LinkedIn can be a strategic platform for companies in the training and consulting sector to strengthen their digital presence and build long-term relationships with their audience.