Digital Citizenship Education and Youth Resilience in the Face of Disinformation and Brain Drain Tendencies: An SDG 16 Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59944/postaxial.v4i3.1905Abstract
The transformation of the digital landscape has enhanced young people's access to information while simultaneously increasing their exposure to disinformation factors that can influence their understanding of public issues, levels of trust, and future outlooks. This study aims to explore the role of Digital Citizenship Education in strengthening the civic resilience of young people against disinformation and to understand brain drain orientations within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16. A qualitative approach with a descriptive exploratory design was employed at Mulawarman University. The study involved 10 students selected purposively based on their use of social media as a source of public and national information, their experience encountering suspected hoaxes or disinformation, and their involvement in organizations, communities, social initiatives, or civic activities. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed thematically through stages of data familiarization, coding, categorization, theme development, and interpretation. The results indicate that while students actively use social media to access information regarding social, educational, political, and national matters, their information evaluation skills vary. Some students verify sources and cross-reference information before trusting or sharing it, whereas others remain influenced by headlines, popularity, and source familiarity. Civic resilience is demonstrated through critical thinking, information verification, ethical communication, the upholding of civic values, and responsible participation. Brain drain orientations were not perceived as a direct consequence of disinformation but were instead linked to perceptions regarding opportunities and the future. These findings underscore the relevance of Digital Citizenship Education in bolstering civic resilience and supporting the achievement of SDG 16 by fostering a generation of young people who are critical, responsible, and constructive participants in the digital public sphere
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