| dc.description.abstract | The ARMY fan community utilizes the X platform as a communication tool to foster solidarity
and unity. However, this phenomenon facilitates a phenomenon that limits people in the
community to other viewpoints. Users are more likely to connect with people of similar views
when community cohesion is founded on shared interests. The purpose of this study is to
investigate the construction and use of these small spaces in the social dynamics of Yogyakarta’s
ARMY fandom. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed using a qualitative
descriptive approach and thematic analysis. For this purpose, the informants consist of BTS fans
(ARMY), who utilize X and are based in Yogyakarta. Based on their experiences, this study
examines how echo chambers emerge and are constructed socially within the contexts of a fan
group. There are five analytical themes as main findings, including Identity Formation, Digital
Fandom Practices on X, Social Dynamics, Information Credibility, and Trending Topics Among
the Community. Echo chambers are constructed through several characteristics, including a
sense of belonging, the dominance of X platform use, discourse homogeneity, internal regulation,
and efficient information verification. In Yogyakarta, ARMY members employ these mechanisms
to shield the fandom from external criticism or negative narratives that might harm the group.
Furthermore, participants reinforce these boundaries to create a controlled ecosystem to
regulate the flow of information about their idols. The functioning of these echo chambers proves
efficient, adaptive, and sustainable, which then brings solutions for coordinated collective
action. | en_US |
