Literasi Digital Mahasiswa Ilmu Komunikasi dalam Ekosistem Akun Anonim X: Sebuah Paradoks Laboratorium Alamiah

Abstract

This study analyzes the digital literacy of students at the Faculty of Communication Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, in their interactions with the anonymous X account @draftanakunpad. Digital literacy has become an essential competence for communication students amid the increasing prevalence of misinformation and disinformation. This research focuses on students’ understanding of digital literacy, information evaluation strategies, patterns of information consumption and dissemination, and the challenges of implementing digital literacy in the use of the account.  A qualitative approach was employed through semi-structured interviews with four students and four account administrators, complemented by one year of content observation. Data were analyzed comparatively and through triangulation. The findings indicate that although @draftanakunpad is perceived as a rapid and relevant source of information, students’ levels of digital literacy vary. Students tend to act as passive information consumers, while administrators demonstrate a more structural understanding. The account’s anonymity poses challenges to assessing information credibility. A paradox is identified in which students’ high satisfaction with the account does not align with well-developed critical digital literacy. This study highlights a gap between the account’s potential as an alternative information source and the still suboptimal level of students’ digital literacy.