The Role of Social Media in Digital Literacy and Reading Interest of SMP Telekomunikasi Pekanbaru Students

Abstract

This study aims to describe and analyze the role of social media in students’ digital literacy and reading interest at SMP Telekomunikasi Pekanbaru. The study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. It was conducted at SMP Telekomunikasi Pekanbaru during the 2025/2026 academic year, while data collection was carried out from April to May 2026. The participants consisted of five students and one Indonesian Language teacher who served as a triangulation informant. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and documentation. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. Data credibility was examined through source triangulation and technique triangulation. The findings indicate that social media contributes to students’ digital literacy through access to learning information, information evaluation, understanding and use of digital media, digital content creation, and digital ethics. Its role is most visible in information access and content creation, whereas students’ ability to evaluate information credibility and apply digital ethics still requires guidance. Regarding reading interest, social media provides access to digital reading materials and encourages reading based on students’ interests. Nevertheless, reading frequency and duration vary among students, and preferred materials tend to include fiction, comics, short stories, articles, light news, and other digital content related to personal interests. The findings also show that school literacy activities remain important in strengthening students’ reading habits.