Journal Albion : Journal of English Literature, Language, and Culture
Vol. 8 No. 1 (2026): Issue 1

Normalizing hostility: TikTok netizens and hate speech on Ahmad Sahroni

Muhammad Syafiq (Universitas Sumatera Utara)
Ariel Abenaya Simarmata (Universitas Sumatera Utara)
Tulus Maruli Purba (Universitas Sumatera Utara)
Johan Wilfridus Pane (Universitas Sumatera Utara)
Hadlinten Josua Tumanggor (Universitas Sumatera Utara)
Dian Marisha Putri (Universitas Sumatera Utara)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study examines hate speech in the comment sections of TikTok news accounts discussing Ahmad Sahroni, a prominent Indonesian political figure. As social media increasingly shapes public opinion and political discourse, understanding how hostile language is produced and circulated online has become essential. The objective of this research is to analyze the linguistic, discursive, and ideological features of hate speech using Fairclough’s (1995) Critical Discourse Analysis framework supported by van Dijk’s (2008) socio-cognitive approach. Data were collected from five major TikTok news accounts, with twenty-five top-liked comments selected for analysis. The findings show that hate speech appears through insults, negative labeling, sarcasm, accusations, and mockery, while some comments reinforce broader narratives of public distrust toward political elites. These results highlight how TikTok’s algorithm and user interaction patterns contribute to the visibility and normalization of hostile discourse. The study provides insights that can support digital literacy efforts and inform policy discussions.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

albion

Publisher

Subject

Description

Journal Albion : Journal of English Literature, Language and Culture (e-ISSN 2657-0696) is a peer-reviewed, biannual publication (April and October) of the English Literature Program, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universitas Pakuan. Established in 2019, it publishes research in English ...