Penguatan Literasi Digital Pemuda Desa Binangun Kabupaten Blitar melalui Kegiatan Penyuluhan

Abstract

The development of information and communication technology has driven an increase in digital media usage among the younger generation. However, the high intensity of social media use is not always accompanied by adequate digital literacy skills, thereby increasing the risk of spreading invalid information, privacy breaches, cyberbullying, and mental health disorders. Based on preliminary observations, the youth members of Karang Taruna (youth organization) in Binangun Village, Blitar Regency, still face limitations in understanding social media ethics, personal data protection, information filtering, and responsible digital media use. Therefore, the Potential-Based Community Service Program (PMBP) organized a digital literacy counseling activity aimed at increasing participants' knowledge, awareness, and attitudes in utilizing digital media wisely. The activity was conducted through three stages: initial observation, interactive counseling, and group discussions involving 25 members of Karang Taruna in Binangun Village. The materials presented covered social media ethics, personal data protection, identifying hoax information, preventing cyberbullying, and the importance of maintaining mental health in the digital era. The results of the activity showed that the participants enthusiastically followed the entire counseling series, actively engaged in discussion sessions, and demonstrated an increase in understanding regarding wiser social media usage, the importance of maintaining digital privacy, information filtering skills, and awareness of mental health. This activity provides a positive contribution to strengthening youth digital literacy as a foundation for facing the challenges of digital transformation, while supporting the formation of safer, more critical, and responsible social media behavior within the community.