Please Just Try to SubmitOpen University in Digital Public Conversation: An Analysis of Sentiment, Toxicity, and YouTube Comment Topics on the Raditya Dika Podcast This Sample Abstract
Lisda Ariani Simabur1*, Sulvina Jayanti2

1Faculty of Law, Social Sciences, and Political Science, Open University, Ternate, Indonesia. 2Institute of Islamic Religion Negri Parepare (Department of Islamic Communication and Broadcasting, Parepare, Indonesia)

Abstract

This article aims to analyze digital public opinion of Open University in a YouTube podcast video titled ^For those who are confused about whether to work or study...^ which featured a discussion between the Rector of the Open University, UT students, and Raditya Dika. Specifically, this study examined the sentiments, toxicity, and topics of public conversation in the YouTube comment column to understand how audiences rated the flexibility, credibility, learning experience, and position of the Open University in answering work or college dilemmas. This study uses a mixed-method approach with a computational-interpretive design. The research data was obtained from public comments on YouTube videos that have been viewed 122,968 times since June 4, 2026 and obtained 3.5 thousand likes and 428 comments. The analysis was conducted using Communalytic to map sentiment, toxicity levels, as well as dominant topics that emerged in digital conversations. The results of the study show that audience comments tend to form positive opinions about the Open University, especially related to the flexibility of study time, study opportunities for workers, affordability of access, and strengthening the perception that distance education can be a rational choice for people who have limited space, time, and economy. On the other hand, some comments also raised doubts about the quality of academic interactions, independent learning experiences, and the stigma against distance higher education. The level of toxicity of comments is relatively not the dominant pattern, as the public conversation is more focused on experiences, questions, testimonials, and practical considerations regarding studying at UT. These findings confirm that YouTube not only functions as a distribution medium for educational content, but also as a space for the formation of social legitimacy for higher education institutions.

Keywords: Open University, Digital Public Opinion, Sentiment Analysis, Toxicity, Topics, Youtube

Topic: Strategic Communication in the Digital Sphere: Cultivating Civic Trust through Data-Driven Approaches (Digital Communication- Public Communication Strategy- Civic Trust)