Education about mass communication

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 126 views

Student Opinion About the News of Online Motorcycle Taxi Conflicts with Betor in Medan City: A Quantitative Descriptive Study

Introduction

The rapid growth of online motorcycle taxi services in Indonesia has led to conflicts with traditional transportation modes, such as betor (motorized pedicab). In Medan City, the capital of North Sumatra, this conflict has sparked heated debates among the public, including students of the University of North Sumatra. This study aims to explore the source of information used by students to get news about the conflict and their opinions on the issue.

Background

The transportation industry in Indonesia is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing adoption of digital technology. Online motorcycle taxi services, such as GrabBike and Go-Van, have become popular alternatives to traditional transportation modes. However, this shift has also led to conflicts with betor operators, who claim that online motorcycle taxis are unfair competitors.

Methodology

This study employed a quantitative descriptive approach, with a sample of 98 students from various faculties at the University of North Sumatra class of 2015-2016. The sampling technique used was Simple Random Sampling, which ensured that each student had an equal opportunity to be chosen. The data analysis was carried out using a single table analysis method, which divided research variables into categories based on frequency.

Results

The results of this study showed that students of the University of North Sumatra had confidence in the news about the conflict between online motorcycle taxis and betor in Medan City. The majority of respondents (85.7%) believed that online motorcycle taxis were a threat to the livelihood of betor operators. However, a significant number of respondents (71.4%) also believed that online motorcycle taxis provided a more convenient and efficient transportation service.

Discussion

The conflict between online motorcycle taxis and betor in Medan City reflects a broader shift in the transportation industry in Indonesia. The increasing adoption of digital technology has created new opportunities for transportation services, but it has also led to conflicts with traditional operators. Students, as young people who are technology literate, tend to look for information through various sources, such as social media, online news, and other digital platforms. This shows that they are more critical in responding to the information received.

Implications

The findings of this study have several implications for education, media, and policy makers. Firstly, it highlights the need for education about mass communication and its influence on public opinion. Students need to be aware of the potential biases and limitations of online news sources and to critically evaluate the information they receive. Secondly, the media has a responsibility to present objective reports that do not trigger further tension between the two parties. Finally, policy makers need to collaborate with the media to create constructive dialogue that can relieve conflict and provide a fair solution for all parties involved.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides a quantitative descriptive analysis of student opinions about the conflict between online motorcycle taxis and betor in Medan City. The findings highlight the need for education about mass communication and the importance of objective reporting by the media. By understanding how students respond and understand information about this conflict, we can hope to find a middle ground that not only benefits one party but also supports the advancement of transportation in the city of Medan as a whole.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Education about mass communication: Students need to be aware of the potential biases and limitations of online news sources and to critically evaluate the information they receive.
Objective reporting by the media: The media has a responsibility to present objective reports that do not trigger further tension between the two parties.
Collaboration between the media and policy makers: Policy makers need to collaborate with the media to create constructive dialogue that can relieve conflict and provide a fair solution for all parties involved.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study only focused on students of the University of North Sumatra, which may not be representative of the wider community. Finally, the study only explored student opinions about the conflict and did not examine the underlying causes of the conflict.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

Examining the underlying causes of the conflict: Further research is needed to examine the underlying causes of the conflict between online motorcycle taxis and betor in Medan City.
Investigating the impact of online motorcycle taxis on traditional transportation modes: Research is needed to investigate the impact of online motorcycle taxis on traditional transportation modes, such as betor.
Developing education programs about mass communication: Education programs need to be developed to educate students about mass communication and its influence on public opinion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Conflict Between Online Motorcycle Taxis and Betor in Medan City

Q: What is the main cause of the conflict between online motorcycle taxis and betor in Medan City?

A: The main cause of the conflict is the increasing competition between online motorcycle taxis and betor operators. Online motorcycle taxis have become a popular alternative to traditional transportation modes, and betor operators feel that they are being unfairly competed against.

Q: What are the benefits of online motorcycle taxis?

A: Online motorcycle taxis provide a convenient and efficient transportation service. They are often cheaper than traditional taxis and can be booked through mobile apps, making it easier for passengers to get around the city.

Q: What are the concerns of betor operators?

A: Betor operators are concerned that online motorcycle taxis are unfair competitors. They feel that online motorcycle taxis are not subject to the same regulations and taxes as traditional transportation modes, and that they are taking away their livelihoods.

Q: What is the role of the media in this conflict?

A: The media plays a significant role in this conflict. They have the power to shape public opinion and influence the way people think about the issue. However, they also have a responsibility to present objective reports that do not trigger further tension between the two parties.

Q: What can be done to resolve this conflict?

A: To resolve this conflict, there needs to be a collaborative effort between the government, the media, and the transportation industry. The government needs to establish clear regulations and laws that govern the transportation industry, and the media needs to present objective reports that do not take sides. The transportation industry needs to work together to find a solution that benefits all parties involved.

Q: What is the impact of this conflict on the community?

A: The conflict between online motorcycle taxis and betor has a significant impact on the community. It affects the livelihoods of betor operators and the convenience of passengers. It also reflects a broader shift in the transportation industry in Indonesia, where digital technology is changing the way people get around the city.

Q: What can be done to educate students about mass communication and its influence on public opinion?

A: To educate students about mass communication and its influence on public opinion, schools and universities need to develop education programs that teach students how to critically evaluate information and think critically about the media. Students need to be aware of the potential biases and limitations of online news sources and to critically evaluate the information they receive.

Q: What is the importance of transparency and accuracy in the news?

A: Transparency and accuracy in the news are crucial in today's information age. The media has a responsibility to present objective reports that do not trigger further tension between the two parties. By presenting accurate and transparent information, the media can help to build trust and confidence in the community.

Q: What can be done to promote constructive dialogue between the government, the media, and the transportation industry?

A: To promote constructive dialogue between the government, the media, and the transportation industry, there needs to be a collaborative effort to establish clear regulations and laws that govern the transportation industry. The government needs to work with the media and the transportation industry to find a solution that benefits all parties involved.

Q: What is the future of the transportation industry in Indonesia?

A: The future of the transportation industry in Indonesia is uncertain. However, it is clear that digital technology is changing the way people get around the city. Online motorcycle taxis and other digital transportation services are becoming increasingly popular, and traditional transportation modes are struggling to keep up. The government and the transportation industry need to work together to find a solution that benefits all parties involved.

Q: What can be done to support the advancement of transportation in Medan City?

A: To support the advancement of transportation in Medan City, the government and the transportation industry need to work together to establish clear regulations and laws that govern the transportation industry. They also need to invest in infrastructure and technology to support the growth of the transportation industry. By working together, they can create a transportation system that is safe, efficient, and convenient for all passengers.