Journal of Communication and Public Relations (JCPR)
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2026): Journal of Communication and Public Relations

The Theory of Inoculation Practice: Content Analysis of Instagram @Socialconnect.id to Counter Mental Health Misinformation

Yoga Firgiawan (LSPR Institute of Communication and Business)
Indah Shifa Lutfiani (Unknown)
Rubiyanto (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Aug 2026

Abstract

The inoculation theory explains that early exposure to weak arguments and their refutations can build cognitive antibodies that make individuals more resistant to misinformation attacks in the future. Thus, the inoculation theory acts as a protective mechanism that prepares audiences to proactively combat misinformation. This study aims to analyze the application of inoculation theory in combating misinformation in mental health campaigns on Instagram @socialconnect.id. Using a qualitative approach through content analysis, this study examines how the elements of threat and refutational preemption are applied in the campaign strategy. The results show that @socialconnect.id consistently presents stigma and common misconceptions as a form of threat, then refutes them with systematic counterarguments based on scientific data and expert opinions, delivered in an empathetic manner. This strategy has proven effective in building the audience's cognitive resilience, making them better prepared to reject misinformation while increasing their critical awareness of mental health issues. This study concludes that the application of inoculation theory in the @socialconnect.id campaign is effective in reducing the impact of misinformation, combating stigma, and improving mental health literacy among the public. Despite its limitations in terms of the scope of the study and the number of informants, this study provides conceptual and practical contributions to the development of a digital media based mental health campaign.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jcpr

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

The Journal of Communication and Public Relations is an open access, international, peer reviewed journal for conceptual and research on communication studies and public relations. The objective of this journal is to encourage research related but not limited to Organizational communication, ...