Generation Z perception of Folkative credibility as a nomad media

Ammara Nayla Fatiha Pratama; Dian Wardiana Sjuchro; Gema Nusantara Bakry

doi:10.24198/comdent.v4i1.71322

Generation Z perception of Folkative credibility as a nomad media

Ammara Nayla Fatiha Pratama, Dian Wardiana Sjuchro, Gema Nusantara Bakry

Abstract

Background: Folkative, a popular nomad media among Generation Z, received a wave of criticism in early 2025 due to errors in some of its news content. However, over time, the number of followers of the media's Instagram account actually experienced a significant increase. While previous studies focused on the motivation and Generation Z’s information fulfillment by the media, the above phenomenon actually shows a shift in context where Folkative is now seen as a media whose credibility is questionable in the eyes of the public. Purpose: This study aims to measure Generation Z's perception of Folkative's credibility by referring to the Source Credibility Theory of Carl Iver Hovland, Irving Lester Janis, and Harold H. Kelley. Methods: This study uses a quantitative descriptive approach with a survey design. Data were collected using an online questionnaire compiled based on the operationalization of two dimensions of credibility, namely source credibility and message credibility. Results: The majority of research respondents as part of Generation Z perceive that the @folkative Instagram account as a news source had good credibility, as did its news content. Dynamism (4.05) is the source credibility indicator with the highest average score, and Social Tie (3.45) is the lowest. For message credibility, Accurate (3.69) is the indicator with the highest average score, and Believable (3.46) is the lowest. Conclusion: Research respondents as part of Generation Z perceive that Folkative has a good credibility as a nomad media with branding as the most prominent characteristic. Implications: An appropriate branding strategy could become a gateway to better assessments from the audience regarding other characteristics in credibility perception.

Keywords

Folkative; Generation Z; perception; source credibility; message credibility

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.24198/comdent.v4i1.71322