Unlocking Digital Literacy: Insights from the Use of Social Media Platforms

Abstract

The use of social media platforms has become increasingly integrated into students' everyday lives as technology advances, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these rapid adoptions, digital literacy challenges remain, including finding, evaluating, utilising, sharing, and creating content responsibly. This study examines how social media platforms shape students' minds and underscore the importance of digital literacy skills as a result of their experiences and perceptions of these platforms. Using a qualitative research approach, the study conducted a systematic review of data collected from students in Indonesia. The research addressed two key questions: (1) How do students experience the use of social media platforms? and (2) How do social media platforms influence students' mindsets and emphasise the need for digital literacy? The analysis revealed several themes, including popular features of social media, learning advantages, the role of adults, and the importance of safe social media use. The findings highlight the critical role of digital literacy in enabling students to navigate social media platforms effectively. This study provides valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and parents on adopting and implementing social media platforms while fostering appropriate digital literacy skills among students.