PARTISIPASI KEWARGANEGARAAN DIGITAL MAHASISWA DALAM PEMANFAATAN MEDIA SOSIAL BAGI KEPENTINGAN PUBLIK

Abstract

The development of information and communication technology has transformed the landscape of public participation, including within the realm of citizenship. Digital transformation not only facilitates broader access to information but also opens up new spaces for individuals to engage actively in social and political life. University students, as part of the digital generation born and raised in the technological era, play a strategic role in this dynamic. They act not merely as technology users but also as potential agents of change in voicing aspirations, disseminating information, and engaging in various public issues through digital platforms. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the forms, levels, and factors influencing students' digital citizenship participation in utilizing social media for public interests. This research was conducted on students of the D3 Midwifery Study Program at Universitas Putra Abadi Langkat. The method employed was a quantitative survey approach with descriptive analysis and simple linear regression. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to randomly selected respondents, then processed and analyzed to identify patterns and relationships between the variables studied. The results indicate that students demonstrate a fairly active level of participation in the digital space. The most common forms of participation include sharing information relevant to public interests, expressing opinions regarding social and political issues, and engaging in various digital campaigns or movements. Furthermore, data analysis revealed a significant influence of digital literacy levels and civic awareness on the intensity and quality of student participation. Students who possess a sound understanding of how to use technology wisely and responsibly, coupled with a high awareness of their rights and obligations as citizens, tend to participate in more constructive ways. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that students' digital citizenship participation holds great potential to strengthen democratic practices and raise public awareness. However, this potential must be supported by continuous efforts to enhance digital literacy. Improving the ability to filter information, understand online communication ethics, and recognize the impact of every digital action is essential to ensure that such participation remains positive, responsible, and provides tangible benefits to society at large.