Literasi Penyebaran Informasi Hoax di Platform Instagram Pada Mahasiswa Ilmu Komunikasi Fakultas Ilmu Sosial dan Ilmu Politik UGJ

Abstract

This study aims to examine the media literacy of Communication Science students at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati, regarding the spread of hoaxes on Instagram. The study employs a qualitative descriptive approach, with data collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation involving three active student informants who use Instagram. Data analysis was conducted through data reduction—encompassing the selection, sorting, and simplification of data—using Potter’s Media Literacy Theory and Karl Deutsch’s Information Circulation Theory as analytical frameworks. The results indicate that the phenomenon of hoaxes on Instagram occurs within a media environment driven by ease of access, visual appeal, and content virality. The forms of hoaxes identified include account scams, fake celebrity news, inaccurate health information, viral issues lacking clear sources, conspiracy narratives, fraudulent job recruitment, and photo/video manipulation. The three informants demonstrated reasonably good media literacy skills across the dimensions of media access, message analysis, information evaluation, and media creation, although they remain at a stage transitioning from functional to early-critical literacy. Strategies employed by the students include source verification, cross-checking information, and exercising caution before sharing content. The study concludes that media literacy plays a crucial role in enabling students to act as responsible filters within the social media information circulation chain