Pembentukan Kepercayaan Sosial Melalui Komunikasi Anonim (Studi Pola Interaksi Followers Akun Autobase @ohmy_beautybank di Platform X)

The development of social media in Indonesia has given rise to the phenomenon of anonymous communication through the autobase system on Platform X, where users can share personal experiences and ask questions without revealing their real identities. This phenomenon is noteworthy because it contrasts with the conventional concept of trust in communication theory, which emphasizes identity disclosure as a fundamental prerequisite for the development of interpersonal trust. This study aims to examine how anonymous communication within the @ohmy_beautybank autobase account fosters social trust among its followers.

This research employed a qualitative approach within a constructivist paradigm using a descriptive case study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with six female active users of @ohmy_beautybank, non-participant observation of interaction patterns on the account, and documentation of menfess posts and comments published between September and November 2025. The data were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis based on the participants' experiences.

The findings reveal that social trust within @ohmy_beautybank is developed through three stages: initial trust, which is established through the account's reputation and content quality; ongoing trust, which evolves through repeated interactions and consistent community support; and trust resilience, which reflects the endurance of trust despite occasional unpleasant interactions. In this context, anonymity does not eliminate trust; rather, it shifts the basis of trust from personal identity to the quality of shared experiences and the sincerity of self-disclosure. The resulting social trust encompasses the dimensions of ability, benevolence, integrity, relatability, and self-acceptance. Furthermore, @ohmy_beautybank functions as a social ecosystem that provides a safe space for women to discuss issues that are often difficult to express openly in everyday life, particularly those related to beauty standards, body image, and self-acceptance.