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This study aims to examine the relationship between the intensity of social media use and academic writing ability of students in the Indonesian Language and Literature Education Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember. This research employed a quantitative approach with a correlational design. The research sample consisted of 49 students selected using proportional sampling techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires measuring the intensity of social media use and instruments assessing academic writing ability using a Likert scale. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation with the assistance of SPSS software. The results indicate that students’ social media usage intensity falls into a high category, while their academic writing ability is classified as moderate to good. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of r = 0.731 with a significance value of 0.000 < 0.05. These findings demonstrate a positive and significant relationship between the intensity of social media use and students’ academic writing ability. Therefore, it can be concluded that social media, when utilized in a positive and academic-oriented manner, can support the development of students’ academic writing skills.

This study aims to comprehensively examine the role of social media influencers in shaping public opinion among university students through a literature review approach. The background of this research is based on the rapid development of information technology and social media, which has given rise to influencers as new communication actors with strong influence in the digital public sphere. Influencers act as opinion leaders who not only deliver information but also frame messages, construct narratives, and disseminate various issues to their audiences. University students are selected as the focus of this study because they represent an active, critical group of social media users who are highly exposed to digital content. The research method employs a literature review by analyzing various national and international scholarly journals relevant to the topics of influencers, social media, and public opinion formation. The findings indicate that influencers have a significant impact on shaping students’ mindsets, attitudes, perceptions, and attention toward social, political, cultural, and lifestyle issues. Factors such as credibility, popularity, and the intensity of interaction between influencers and their audiences play an important role in determining the effectiveness of this influence. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that social media influencers play a strategic and increasingly dominant role in the process of public opinion formation among university students in the era of digital communication.

Abstract. The rapid growth of social media has significantly changed communication patterns, self-expression, and employment opportunities, especially among younger generations. However, among vocational high school students, social media use is still largely focused on entertainment and has not been optimally utilized for skill development, personal branding, or economically productive activities. Addressing this issue, a community service program was conducted to enhance the knowledge, understanding, and practical skills of students at SMK YBPK Pare in creating creative, structured, and relevant social media content in line with the demands of the digital era in 2024. The program was implemented through the delivery of conceptual materials on social media fundamentals, content planning strategies, and effective content creation techniques. These materials were strengthened through interactive discussions and hands-on practice using smartphones and accessible editing applications. The participants included 40 students from grades X, XI, and XII, representing Generation Z with high social media usage intensity. The results showed improved student understanding of the purpose of social media, basic digital content concepts, and communicative content creation techniques. Students were able to produce simple promotional content to support school branding. In addition to technical skills, the program increased awareness of social media as a tool for self-development, digital literacy, and future employment or entrepreneurial opportunities, thereby contributing positively to students’ digital competencies and work readiness.

Social media has become a double-edged sword; acting as a space for religious learning while simultaneously serving as a medium for spreading radicalism. As digital natives, students are vulnerable to extremist narratives if not equipped with adequate cognitive immunity. This study aims to examine the influence of Digital Religious Literacy and Critical Thinking skills on the resilience of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) students in countering radical narratives. Using a quantitative approach with a correlational method, this study involved 30 PAI students selected through random sampling. Data collection instruments used a Likert scale questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability. Data analysis was performed using multiple linear regression. The results showed that: (1) The level of digital religious literacy and counter-radicalism attitudes of students were in the "very high" category with mean scores of 22.40 and 23.00 respectively; (2) There is a significant positive relationship (Sig. < 0.05) between digital literacy and critical thinking towards the attitude of countering radicalism; and (3) Simultaneously, these two variables contributed 68.2% in forming students' mental resilience in the digital space. These findings imply the need for a reorientation of the PAI curriculum that integrates the strengthening of critical reasoning and digital literacy as a fortress of religious moderation.

The widespread use of TikTok across all age groups, including schoolchildren, has raised concerns regarding their social-emotional development. This study aims to analyze the impact of TikTok use on the social-emotional development of elementary school children aged 7-12. The study used a descriptive qualitative method. Data were collected through questionnaires with 17 students in the Jepara area, as well as questionnaires with 10 parents as supporting data. The results indicate that TikTok use has both positive and negative impacts. Positively, TikTok increases self-confidence, creativity, and facilitates conversation in social interactions. However, negatively, 64.7% of students use TikTok for more than two hours per day, 70.6% of children feel anxious if not accessing TikTok, and 47.1% experience sleep disturbances. Furthermore, the social-emotional aspect presents a serious challenge, with anger or irritation arising when usage time is limited. This study concludes that although children prioritize learning, the negative impact of TikTok on social-emotional learning requires active parental supervision.

The 21st century is marked by a profound transformation in digital communication. Social media has become a new public space, enabling people to interact, disseminate information, and shape public opinion rapidly and massively. This article analyzes the role of social media in shaping public opinion and its influence on the dynamics of government policy in Indonesia. Through a literature review and case analysis of policies influenced by viral issues on social media, this study finds that social media increases citizen participation and accelerates government responses to public issues. However, the pattern of 'viral-based policy' also carries risks, such as reactive policies, a lack of evidence-based policies, and inequality in representation. To manage this phenomenon, the government needs to develop an inclusive digital communication strategy, establish an early detection system for public sentiment, and uphold the principles of good governance and evidence-based policy. These findings are relevant for academics and policymakers seeking to understand the interaction between social media, public opinion, and government policy in the digital era.

The development of social media has shifted the way humans interpret spirituality and construct self-identity, giving rise to the phenomenon of digital religiosity that is all-visual, instant, and performative. This study aims to analyze how representations of spirituality in social media culture contribute to the crisis of self in modern humans, by interpreting this phenomenon through the metaphysical perspective of Seyyed Hossein Nasr. Using a qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytical design that enriches digital ethnography, this study collects data through documentation of spirituality-themed content on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, as well as a literature review of Nasr's works and literature related to digital spirituality. Thematic analysis shows that spirituality in social media is formed through symbolic aestheticization, the commodification of religious values, and identity performances oriented towards algorithms and public validation. These findings demonstrate the symptoms of the desacralization of modernity as criticized by Nasr, namely the erosion of spiritual depth due to the dominance of images and the narrowing of transcendent meaning. This study emphasizes that social media is not just a medium, but a space for the formation of consciousness that can facilitate and endeavor the spiritual search of modern humans. Theoretically, this research contributes to the study of digital spirituality and the critique of modernity; In practice, he encourages more critical digital literacy so that people can manage spiritual experiences more authentically.

The utilization of digital technology in the Industry 4.0 era has become crucial for vocational high school (SMK) students to build economic independence. However, partners at SMKN 1 Selo still face obstacles in optimizing social media and digital platforms as effective promotional tools for student work and self-development. This community service activity aims to enhance students' understanding and skills in using social media (Instagram, TikTok) and other digital platforms as creative marketing instruments. The method employed is a descriptive qualitative approach through participatory training, which includes material presentation on digital branding strategies, visual content creation practices, and copywriting techniques. The results of the activity indicate a significant improvement in students' technical abilities, where they demonstrated the capacity to produce engaging promotional content and understand social media algorithms to reach a wider audience. This study aims to describe the process and impact of utilizing social media and digital platforms as promotional tools for SMKN 1 Selo students. The primary focus of this activity is to provide a deep understanding of personal branding strategies and creative product marketing in the digital age. Through this program, it is expected that SMKN 1 Selo students will possess higher digital competitiveness and the ability to leverage the digital ecosystem to support the promotion of vocational products and their professional profiles in the future.

Socio-economic challenges faced by tuberculosis (TB) survivors in Indonesia remain substantial, particularly stigma that restricts employment opportunities and hinders social reintegration. This community service program aimed to strengthen the economic capacity of TB survivors through a community-based empowerment approach and health information dissemination via social media. The program involved a TB survivor community in the partner area of the Lampung Sehat Initiative. A participatory method was applied through entrepreneurship training, digital content production assistance, and the distribution of health education materials using Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The results indicate that social media was effective not only as a platform for health education but also as a promotional tool for participants’ micro-business products. In addition to improving public literacy regarding TB, social media contributed to stigma reduction by delivering positive narratives and reinforcing the collective identity of the survivor community. The program also encouraged behavioral change, supported the emergence of local leadership, and expanded participants’ social and economic networks. These findings suggest that integrating social media into community-based empowerment initiatives can serve as a social transformation strategy that enhances the sustainability of economic development and social support for TB survivors.

The development of social media has encouraged students to be more active in interacting, sharing information, and establishing relationships online. However, the high intensity of social media use also increases the risk of personal data leakage. This literature study aims to examine the relationship between privacy awareness and students' safe behavior in social media use. The research was conducted by examining various sources, including scientific journals, articles, research reports, books, and online references relevant to digital security issues. The results of the study show that privacy awareness has a significant role in shaping students' safe behavior. This awareness is reflected through the practice of using strong passwords, the implementation of two-factor authentication, and prudence in sharing personal information in the digital space. Although knowledge about digital threats is quite adequate, students' safe behavior is still influenced by the level of internalization of privacy awareness. Therefore, increasing privacy awareness requires not only information, but also educational strategies that emphasize the formation of consistent digital attitudes and habits. This study makes an important contribution to understanding the relationship between privacy awareness and safe behavior, as well as being the basis for the development of more effective digital literacy programs among students.

This study examines the utilization of social media in improving the competitiveness of cassava chips and lidah manis SMEs in Pematang Serai Village, Tanjung Pura District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra Province. The rapid development of information technology has encouraged SMEs to shift from conventional marketing methods to more effective and efficient digital marketing practices. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through field observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving SME actors. The results indicate that the use of social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram is able to expand market reach, increase product visibility, and strengthen relationships between business owners and consumers. Attractive promotional content, consistency in posting, and responsive communication are proven to influence consumer buying interest and trust. However, SMEs still face challenges, including limited digital literacy, time management constraints, and the lack of structured marketing strategies. Therefore, continuous training and assistance are needed so that SMEs can optimize the use of social media more effectively. This study is expected to serve as a reference for the development of digital-based SMEs in rural areas.

This study aims to describe users' experiences and perceptions regarding the presence of malicious comments on social media, particularly on TikTok and Instagram. Data were collected through an online questionnaire using Google Forms containing eight open-ended questions, then analyzed using a descriptive qualitative approach through thematic analysis. The results showed that all respondents had and frequently encountered malicious comments, especially on viral content or creator accounts with large followings. The most common forms of malicious comments included body shaming, insults, defamation, and belittling and demeaning comments. Respondents expressed various emotional reactions such as discomfort, sadness, anger, and pity, although a small number felt normal due to their familiarity with the phenomenon. Factors that drive someone to make malicious comments include following the crowd (FOMO), envy, personal dislike, and the ease of expressing negative opinions on social media. Malicious comments also impact user comfort, with most feeling disturbed and uncomfortable. Respondents' responses to malicious comments included ignoring, responding positively to reprimands, blocking accounts, or reporting the comments. Respondents also proposed several efforts to reduce malicious comments, such as limiting or closing the comment section and increasing education regarding social media ethics. Overall, this study confirms that malicious comments are a common phenomenon on social media and need to be addressed through better personal awareness and digital literacy.

This study is motivated by the rapid development of digital technology, which has positioned social media as an essential tool for disseminating information and conducting promotion, including in the field of arts and culture. Sanggar Mahligai in Siak Regency, as an institution dedicated to preserving Malay traditional dance, utilizes social media to expand its informational reach, attract public interest, and maintain the existence of traditional arts amid modern lifestyle changes. This research aims to describe how social media is used as a medium for information dissemination and promotion by Sanggar Mahligai. The study employs a descriptive qualitative method through observation, interviews, and documentation involving the head of the sanggar, social media administrators, and followers of the sanggar’s social media accounts. The findings show that Instagram and TikTok serve as the main platforms for sharing information related to training schedules, performance activities, new member registration, and activity documentation. Visual content, the use of trending formats, and active interaction with the audience significantly increase public engagement and interest in the sanggar’s activities. These results indicate that social media plays an important role in strengthening the sanggar’s visibility, fostering two-way communication, and supporting the preservation of Malay cultural arts through consistent and strategic digital practices.  

Social media has become an alternative space for emotional expression among university students, particularly as a medium for sharing personal problems or emotional distress. This study aims to examine the effect of social media use as a venting platform on the mental health of students at STAIN Mandailing Natal. A quantitative associative research design was employed, involving 25 fifth-semester students as respondents. Data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire measuring the intensity of social media venting behavior and mental health indicators, including stress, anxiety, mood, and self-confidence. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests, including correlation and simple linear regression. The findings indicate that social media use as a place for venting has a significant relationship with students’ mental health. Positive responses received through social media tend to improve emotional well-being, while negative responses may increase stress and anxiety levels. These findings suggest that social media can function both as a supportive and risky environment for students’ mental health, depending on how it is used. Therefore, students are encouraged to use social media wisely, and educational institutions are advised to provide mental health literacy and guidance related to healthy social media use.

Social media has become an important element in the public relations strategy of government agencies, including the Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDM) of the Ministry of Public Works (PU). Instagram, as the most popular platform in the world, plays a strategic role in disseminating institutional information. This study focuses on analyzing the PR strategy of BPSDM PU through the management of the Instagram account @pu_bpsdm. The method used is descriptive qualitative through observation, interviews with the Public Communication Team, and literature study. The results of the study show that the PR strategy is implemented through four step according to Cutlip & Center, namely situation analysis, planning, communication implementation, and evaluation. Issue identification is carried out through a top-down and bottom-up approach to ensure that the message is in line with public needs and the agency's agenda. Content production is carried out in a structured manner with a multi-layered verification mechanism, while routine evaluations show a significant increase in engagement from 25.2% (June), 29.28% (July), to 40.84% (August). These findings confirm that the BPSDM PU's digital PR strategy is effective and contributes to strengthening the institution's image in the public communication sphere.

The advancement of technology has made social media a strategic platform for companies, including PLN Icon Plus, to build corporate image and reputation through public interaction and the promotion of Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) programs. This study aims to identify and analyze effective social media management strategies and measure their effectiveness in improving the company's image. Employing a qualitative approach, data was collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and content analysis on the PLN Icon Plus platform, conducted from August 19 to December 20, 2025. The findings indicate that the implemented strategies, which include rapid interaction, the use of engaging visuals (especially reels focusing on TJSL), collaboration with national news media, and publication of achievements, are proven effective. Instagram insights analysis showed a significant increase in content views, reach, and interaction from August to November 2025. The study concludes that proper social media management is essential for building a positive image, with implications for the need for continuous content innovation, active audience interaction, and routine evaluation to achieve future business goals.

The development of social media has significant transformations in the communication strategies of retail companies, particularly in building relationships with customers digitally. In the context of increasingly intense competition, social media no longer functions merely as a promotional channel, but also an interactive space to shape engagement, brand perception, and long-term relationships with customers. TIP TOP Supermarket, as one of the modern retail players in Indonesia, utilizes Instagram as its primary digital communication channel to reach audiences, convey brand values, and build customer engagement. The majority of TIP TOP Supermarket’s customers do not yet possess high levels of digital awareness, resulting in limited engagement with TIP TOP’s activations on Instagram. TIP TOP has not yet implemented a strategic approach in managing its Instagram. This condition constitutes a challenge in Instagram management. This study aims to analyze the stages of research and diagnosis, objective, strategies, tactics, implementation, and reporting-evaluation carried out by TIP TOP Supermarket in building customer engagement. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach within a positivist paradigm. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with seven key informants from the Marketing and Communications Division, observations, and online documentation. The findings indicate that the management of TIP TOP Supermarket’s Instagram has gone through all stages of the ROSTIR, although several aspects have not yet been fulfilled. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of building a brand identity with consistent characteristics. This study recommends the establishment of a digital community on Instagram and the adoption of a responsive approach toward customers.

Lovebysisdaisy is a micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) producing handmade phone charm accessories and operating as a home-based business with limited digital marketing capabilities. This community service program aimed to strengthen digital marketing through Instagram optimization and the utilization of Shopee as an e-commerce platform. A participatory approach was applied, involving the business owner from problem identification to evaluation. Methods included observation, interviews, and digital documentation, followed by assistance in content development and Shopee store management. The results show that structured Instagram content improved visual consistency and audience engagement, while the establishment of a Shopee store enabled organized product catalogs and initial customer interactions. These outcomes indicate increased digital awareness and readiness of the MSME to implement sustainable online marketing strategies and expand market access.

This community service program aimed to improve students’ understanding and awareness of digital media ethics, particularly language politeness in social media communication. The activity was conducted at a junior high school in Islamic Boarding School Al Falah. The program was designed using participatory and interactive approaches, including lectures, group discussions, role-play simulations, and pre-test and post-test evaluations. The initial findings from the pre-test indicated that most students lacked adequate understanding of ethical digital communication and tended to perceive social media as a free space without rules. After the training, the post-test results showed a significant improvement in students’ comprehension of responsible and polite communication practices in digital environments. Students demonstrated better awareness of the impacts of hate speech, cyberbullying, and misinformation. They were also able to propose constructive and ethical responses to various social media scenarios. The activity resulted in increased digital awareness, positive behavioral changes, and personal commitments from students to promote respectful communication online. This program contributes to strengthening digital literacy and character education among adolescents in rural areas.

The development of digital information technology has fundamentally transformed the ways university students access and interpret religious information. Social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have become primary spaces where students encounter diverse forms of religious content, ranging from educational dakwah to provocative narratives that may trigger tension and conflict. This phenomenon creates both opportunities and challenges for shaping religious moderation, particularly among first-semester students who are in the formative stage of constructing their intellectual and religious identities. This study aims to explore in depth the dynamics of religious moderation among first-semester students at IAINU Tuban within the context of digital polarization. A descriptive qualitative method was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews, observations, and documentation as data collection techniques. Data were analyzed through thematic processes of reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that students exhibit high social media engagement and are frequently exposed to short dakwah content circulated through algorithmic mechanisms. However, they also confront digital polarization characterized by emotional disputes, informational bias, and negative perceptions of other religious groups. While students demonstrate an initial understanding of religious moderation—such as wisdom, tolerance, and resistance to provocation—they have not fully developed adequate religious digital literacy to critically evaluate extreme content. This research concludes that social media simultaneously serves as a medium for dakwah and a site of polarization, highlighting the need for systematic reinforcement of digital literacy and religious moderation within Islamic higher education.