Digital Literacy of Langung Village Apparatus in Addressing Social Media Hoaxes

Abstract

A The advancement of digital technology presents the challenge of the dissemination of false information or hoaxes, demanding that village apparatus possess adequate digital literacy. This study aims to describe the digital literacy level of the apparatus of Gampong Langung, Meureubo District, West Aceh Regency, in facing and combating the spread of hoaxes. This research employs a descriptive qualitative method using a purposive sampling technique, involving eight village apparatus members as research subjects. Data were collected through observation and in-depth interviews, then analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model, comprising data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results indicate that, in general, the digital literacy of the village apparatus is at a fairly good level, particularly in the aspects of basic understanding of social media usage and information verification efforts. However, these capabilities do not yet meet the category of critical digital literacy due to persisting weaknesses in the in-depth analysis of information sources and digital risk mitigation. In conclusion, although the village apparatus is capable of operating digital devices for public services, more specific capacity enhancement in analytical and critical aspects is required to effectively tackle the spread of hoaxes within the village government environment.