At the launch of their new book, “Misguided Democracy in Malaysia and Indonesia: Digital Propaganda in Southeast Asia”, Nuurrianti told FMT it reveals the intricate strategies and tactics employed by propagandists to manipulate and mislead public opinion using social media.

She said the book, which examines the weaponisation of the internet in Southeast Asia, aims to make people more aware of such matters.

“We want people to read about this and be aware of what’s going on and how the information they are getting is not always objective as many people have different agendas.

“Due to certain motives they have, they want you to believe and act on certain matters,” the assistant professor of strategic communications at Oklahoma State University said.

Nuurrianti also said the book highlights how the goings-on in our digital spaces has influenced democracy and the wide reach propagandists have using social media.

“By guiding readers through the convoluted landscape of internet propaganda in Southeast Asia, this book aspires to stimulate thoughtful discourse on the influential role of the digital revolution in moulding the future of our societies,” she said.

The book may be ordered directly from Gerakbudaya here. Alternatively, visit a Gerakbudaya outlet to purchase your copy.