Peran Literasi Media dalam Menangkal Penyebaran Hoaks di Era Digital

Abstract

The rapid development of information technology in the digital era has had a significant impact on people's information consumption patterns. However, the ease of access to information also opens a gap for the rampant spread of hoaxes that can mislead the public and trigger social unrest. This research aims to analyze the role of media literacy in counteracting the spread of hoaxes in the digital era. The method used is a library research with a descriptive qualitative approach that examines various literature, scientific articles, and empirical data related to media literacy and hoax phenomena. The results of the study show that media literacy has a strategic role in shaping the ability of individuals to access, understand, evaluate, and distribute information critically. Individuals who have a good level of media literacy tend to be more skeptical of unverified information, and are able to recognize the characteristics of hoax content, such as provocative titles, uncredible sources, and visual manipulation. In addition, media literacy also encourages active participation in building a healthy digital ecosystem through the dissemination of correct and educational information. Therefore, increasing media literacy through formal education, community training, and digital campaigns is an important step in facing the challenge of spreading hoaxes in the digital era. This research recommends collaboration between the government, educational institutions, mass media, and civil society in designing inclusive and sustainable media literacy programs.