<![CDATA[This study aims to examine political issue diversion (breakdown zones) as a form of virtual vandalism that contributes to social turbulence and declining public trust in government from the perspective of Qur'anic exegesis. Political issue diversion through digital media not only shapes public opinion but also creates hyperreality, blurring the distinction between factual information and constructed narratives, thereby shifting public attention away from strategic governmental issues toward viral but less substantial topics. This research employs a qualitative descriptive approach using library research. Data were collected from Qur'anic verses, classical Qur'anic commentaries, literature on communication studies, political philosophy, media theory, and scholarly publications concerning propaganda, political power, and digital media. Data analysis was conducted through content analysis and thematic Qur'anic interpretation (tafsir maudhu'i), focusing on Qur'an 2:42, 48:18, and 13:20. The findings reveal that political issue diversion constitutes a form of information manipulation that contradicts the Qur'anic principles of honesty, trustworthiness, and truthfulness. Such practices generate breakdown zones characterized by democratic stagnation, social turbulence, virtual vandalism, and declining public trust in both government and mass media. Therefore, the Qur'an offers the values of honesty, integrity, accountability, and commitment to truth as ethical foundations for political communication in promoting transparent and just governance.]]>
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