Analysis of Critical Theory on Communication Technology as a Space of Resistance
Abstract
Abstrak
Teknologi komunikasi di era digital membawa dampak besar terhadap kehidupan sosial, ekonomi, dan politik, namun dari perspektif Teori Kritis, teknologi ini kerap berfungsi sebagai instrumen dominasi. Industri budaya, algoritma media sosial, dan praktik kapitalisme pengawasan memperlihatkan bagaimana teknologi justru memperkuat ketimpangan, menciptakan alienasi digital, serta membatasi kebebasan individu. Dalam konteks ini, kritik terhadap teknologi komunikasi menjadi penting untuk mengungkap mekanisme dominasi yang tersembunyi. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis teknologi komunikasi melalui lensa Teori Kritis dengan menekankan potensi ruang resistensi. Metode yang digunakan adalah kajian pustaka sistematis dengan analisis tematik terhadap literatur primer dan sekunder mengenai dominasi, ideologi, dan perlawanan digital. Pendekatan ini memungkinkan peneliti mengidentifikasi pola dominasi teknologi sekaligus peluang emansipasi melalui penggunaan ruang digital. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa meski teknologi komunikasi sering digunakan untuk mengontrol informasi, memonopoli opini publik, dan memperkuat struktur kapitalis, ruang digital juga menyediakan potensi resistensi. Media baru memungkinkan munculnya gerakan sosial, partisipasi publik, dan perlawanan terhadap hegemoni global. Dengan demikian, Teori Kritis menegaskan perlunya kesadaran kritis agar teknologi tidak semata-mata menjadi alat dominasi, melainkan juga sarana emansipasi untuk menciptakan keadilan sosial dan demokrasi.
Kata Kunci: Teori Kritis, Teknologi Komunikasi, Industri Budaya, Resistensi Digital, Kapitalisme Pengawasan
Abstract
Communication technology in the digital era has significantly influenced social, economic, and political life, yet from the perspective of Critical Theory, it often functions as an instrument of domination. The culture industry, social media algorithms, and surveillance capitalism illustrate how technology reinforces inequality, fosters digital alienation, and restricts individual freedom. In this regard, critiques of communication technology are essential to uncover hidden mechanisms of power. This study aims to analyze communication technology through the lens of Critical Theory, emphasizing its potential as a space of resistance. The research employs a systematic literature review with thematic analysis of primary and secondary sources on domination, ideology, and digital resistance. This approach allows the identification of both technological domination patterns and emancipatory opportunities enabled by digital spaces. The findings reveal that although communication technology is often utilized to control information, monopolize public opinion, and strengthen capitalist structures, digital platforms also provide opportunities for resistance. New media facilitates the rise of social movements, public participation, and challenges to global hegemony. Thus, Critical Theory underscores the importance of cultivating critical awareness so that technology can serve not only as a tool of domination but also as a means of emancipation toward social justice and democracy.
Keywords: Critical Theory, Communication Technology, Culture Industry, Digital Resistance, Surveillance Capitalism
References
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