Social media disinformation in the perspective of Islamic Communication: A Documentary Review of the Social Dilemma

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of disinformation on social media on adolescents’ mental health
by analyzing the documentary film The Social Dilemma as a case study. A qualitative descriptive approach
was employed, focusing on the interpretation of scenes that reflect adolescents’ psychological dynamics in
responding to disinformation. The findings reveal four major themes: (1) anxiety triggered by the need for
social validation, (2) social comparison leading to feelings of inferiority, (3) pressure to construct a “perfect”
self-image aligned with unrealistic media standards, and (4) emotional instability caused by exposure to false
information. These findings align with the Halo Effect theory, which explains how negative perceptions of a single aspect of the self can expand into negative overall self-assessment, thereby reinforcing anxiety and
dissatisfaction. From the perspective of Islamic communication, the results highlight the relevance of the
principle of tabayyun (verification of information) as stated in Qur’an Surah Al-Hujurat: 6, along with the
values of qana‘ah (contentment), muraqabah (self-awareness before God), and ihsan (striving for excellence
with sincerity) in maintaining adolescents’ psychological balance in the digital era. Theoretically, this research
integrates social psychology with Islamic communication ethics, while practically, it provides insights for
designing Islamic-based digital literacy strategies to protect youth mental health from the negative impacts
of disinformation.

Keywords: Disinformation, Social Media, Adolescent Mental Health, Halo Effect, Islamic Communication