How Social Media Fuels Conflict Between SEAblings and Knetz

4 days ago 21

February 25, 2026 | 03:03 pm

Illustration of SEAblings vs. K-Netz. Tempo/Gunawan Wicaksono

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The dispute between SEAblings, netizens from different countries, and Knetz originated from a rules violation at a music concert. What initially started as a local incident has turned into a massive debate on social media, even extending to identity sentiments and stereotypes between groups.

Sociology lecturer from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Airlangga University (Unair), Nur Syamsiyah, views the viral SEAblings phenomenon as a typical social dynamic of the digital era. According to her, the entertainment space was initially just an ordinary arena for interaction that could transform into a symbolic arena for conflict when entering the digital realm, which was laden with interests and collective identities.

"An incident that was initially situational can turn into a representation symbol of certain groups. Once it reaches that point, the conflict shifts from individual behavior to conflict between collective identities," Nur stated in a written statement on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

From Individual Violations to Collective Identities

She mentioned that in the digital era, every event can easily be documented, shared, and reinterpreted by the global public. The rapid framing and reframing process causes issues originally related to ethics and rules to broaden into generalizations towards specific groups.

Instead of discussing specific individual actions, she said, debates often shift to stereotypes of national origin, culture, race, and even economic status. It is at this point, Nur said, that social conflicts enter the realm of identity. "The digital space allows conflict escalation from the individual realm to identity groups. It is this generalization that then strengthens prejudices," she said.

She added that digital conflicts do not require geographic proximity or physical mobilization. Within hours, debates can involve many actors from various countries.

Polarization and Solidarity in the Algorithm Era

Furthermore, she emphasized that social media plays a significant role in accelerating polarization. Platform algorithms tend to increase the visibility of content that triggers emotions such as anger, offense, or pride, making provocative narratives easier to go viral.

In this context, labels like SEAblings and Knetz emerge as symbols of collective identity. She linked this to the conflict function theory of Lewis A. Coser that external threats can strengthen the internal solidarity of a group. "When there are external parties perceived as attacking their identity, internal solidarity strengthens as a form of symbolic defense," she said.

Digital conflicts can occur spontaneously, cross borders, and escalate within hours without the need for physical mobilization. Ultimately, she emphasized the importance of digital literacy and social awareness in containing cross-border conflicts. "Information verification, contextual understanding, and reflective attitudes before reacting are key to preventing debates from developing into hate speech and racism that have long-term impacts on inter-community relations in the Asian region."

Read: What Are SEAblings and Knetz? Meaning of the Viral Terms

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

Today's Top 3 News: What Are SEAblings and Knetz? Meaning of the Viral Terms

3 hari lalu