The Paradox of Disaster Risk Communication: Analyzing the Impact of Fear Mongering in Megathrust Earthquake Content on Public Risk Perception and Mitigation

The increasing tectonic risk in Indonesia, particularly from the Megathrust phenomenon, necessitates effective disaster risk communication. However, the proliferation of sensationalized “fear mongering” content in digital media presents a critical counter-challenge. This study investigates the phenomenological psychological impact of fear-mongering Megathrust earthquake content on public risk perception and preparedness behavior. Grounded in the Cultural Perception Risk Theory by Marsden, this research employed a qualitative phenomenological approach, utilizing in-depth interviews with six participants and systematic digital content observation. The findings reveal that fear mongering, driven by hyperbolic narratives and manipulated visuals, leads to a fractured public response. Religious beliefs (specifically fatalistic interpretations like Qada Mubram) and low digital literacy were identified as the main moderators, often resulting in apathy or excessive anxiety instead of rational mitigation. The study concludes that fear mongering compromises the primary goal of resilience by replacing rational alertness with confusion and resignation. It strongly recommends that government authorities (e.g., BMKG) implement proactive, evidence-based communication strategies and intensify efforts to integrate risk and digital literacy into public education to foster a rational and prepared society.