Students' Perception of The Role of Change Agents in the Digital Era

Authors

  • Wagimin Wagimin STIA Lancang Kuning Dumai, Indonesia
  • Naya Khairunnisa STIA Lancang Kuning Dumai, Indonesia
  • Giovany Anggasta STIA Lancang Kuning Dumai, Indonesia
  • Faridah Hanum STIA Lancang Kuning Dumai, Indonesia
  • Dila Erlianti STIA Lancang Kuning Dumai, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59525/gej.v3i2.744

Keywords:

digital literacy, student perception, agent of change, social transformation, digital media

Abstract

In the digital era, university students are expected to serve as agents of change who can contribute meaningfully to social transformation through the use of technology and digital media. This research explores the perceptions of students from STIA Lancang Kuning Dumai regarding their roles in initiating change via digital platforms. Using a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews, the study identifies students' understanding of their roles, their digital engagement practices, and the challenges they face. The findings show that students recognize their potential to educate, inspire, and mobilize communities through platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp. However, challenges such as low digital literacy among the public, resistance to change, and limited technical skills often hinder their impact. Despite these obstacles, students demonstrate strong motivation and adaptability, proving themselves to be resilient and responsible digital actors. Enhancing digital literacy and providing skill-building opportunities are recommended to maximize their role as digital change agents.

References

Agave, Q. (2020). Documentation and Reporting Techniques in the Clinical Level. Indonesian Nursing Journal , 2 (1), 17.

Anshori, I., & Nadiyya, FAA (2023). The Role of Digital Space as a Transformation of Student Social Action Movements Through Social Media Platforms. Journal of Sociological Analysis , 12 (2), 343–362. https://doi.org/10.20961/jas.v12i2.68981

Arlina, A., Nabila, R., Anggraini, N., Maulana, AA, & Rahmaini, S. (2023). Perceptions of Students as Prospective Islamic Religious Education (PAI) Teachers in Facing the Challenges of the Digital Era (Study of Students from the PAI Study Program at UIN North Sumatra). Asatiza: Journal of Education , 4 (1), 15–23. https://doi.org/10.46963/asatiza.v4i1.792

Barung, AAY (2023). Student Movements in Indonesia and Their Challenges to State Hegemony. Journal of Sociological Thought , 10 (2), 1. https://doi.org/10.22146/jps.v10i2.82612

Chaplin, CP (1981). Dictionary of Psychology. Kartini Kartono et al (trans.), Complete Dictionary of Psychology.

Harisah, A., & Masiming, Z. (2008). HUMAN PERCEPTION OF SIGNS, SYMBOLS AND SPATIAL. SMARTek , 6 (1), 29–43.

Iskandar, TH, Miranti, MG, Sutiadiningsih, A., & Handajani, S. (2023). Strategy for Creating an Ethical Generation in the Digital Era. Scientific Journal of Technical and Vocational Education , 16 (2), 90–103.

Istichomaharani, IS, & Habibah, SS (2016). Realizing the Role of Students as “Agents of Change, Social Control, and Iron Stock.” Proceedings of the 2nd National Seminar and Call for Paper , 1–6.

Karisma, D., Mujiwat E, S., & Mukmin, BA (2017). Literacy in Education in the Digital Era for the Millennial Generation Industry for Advanced Indonesia. PROCEDING Literacy in Education in the Digital Era for the Millennial Generation , 336.

Lunenburg, F.C., Ornstein, A.C., Ornstein, A.C., Strang, T., & Epes, A.M. (2008). Educational Administration: Concepts and Practices (6th ed.) .

Pratama, FR, Komariah, N., & Rodiah, S. (2023). The relationship between digital literacy skills and prevention of hoax news among students. Informatio: Journal of Library and Information Science , 2 (3), 165. https://doi.org/10.24198/inf.v2i3.43792

Rahmat, Faturochman, J., & Sutjipto. (nd). Perception of Women's Work Ability. Journal of Psychology .

Sugiyono, D. (2013). Quantitative, Qualitative, and Action Research Methods .

Syahputri, IB, & Katimin. (2024). The Influence of Student Activists on Socio-Political Change. Ganaya : Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities , 7 (4), 25–36. https://jayapanguspress.penerbit.org/index.php/ganaya

Agave, Q. (2020). Documentation and Reporting Techniques in the Clinical Level. Indonesian Nursing Journal , 2 (1), 17.

Anshori, I., & Nadiyya, FAA (2023). The Role of Digital Space as a Transformation of Student Social Action Movements Through Social Media Platforms. Journal of Sociological Analysis , 12 (2), 343–362. https://doi.org/10.20961/jas.v12i2.68981

Arlina, A., Nabila, R., Anggraini, N., Maulana, AA, & Rahmaini, S. (2023). Perceptions of Students as Prospective Islamic Religious Education (PAI) Teachers in Facing the Challenges of the Digital Era (Study of Students from the PAI Study Program at UIN North Sumatra). Asatiza: Journal of Education , 4 (1), 15–23. https://doi.org/10.46963/asatiza.v4i1.792

Barung, AAY (2023). Student Movements in Indonesia and Their Challenges to State Hegemony. Journal of Sociological Thought , 10 (2), 1. https://doi.org/10.22146/jps.v10i2.82612

Chaplin, CP (1981). Dictionary of Psychology. Kartini Kartono et al (trans.), Complete Dictionary of Psychology.

Harisah, A., & Masiming, Z. (2008). HUMAN PERCEPTION OF SIGNS, SYMBOLS AND SPATIAL. SMARTek , 6 (1), 29–43.

Iskandar, TH, Miranti, MG, Sutiadiningsih, A., & Handajani, S. (2023). Strategy for Creating an Ethical Generation in the Digital Era. Scientific Journal of Technical and Vocational Education , 16 (2), 90–103.

Istichomaharani, IS, & Habibah, SS (2016). Realizing the Role of Students as “Agents of Change, Social Control, and Iron Stock.” Proceedings of the 2nd National Seminar and Call for Paper , 1–6.

Karisma, D., Mujiwat E, S., & Mukmin, BA (2017). Literacy in Education in the Digital Era for the Millennial Generation Industry for Advanced Indonesia. PROCEDING Literacy in Education in the Digital Era for the Millennial Generation , 336.

Lunenburg, F.C., Ornstein, A.C., Ornstein, A.C., Strang, T., & Epes, A.M. (2008). Educational Administration: Concepts and Practices (6th ed.) .

Pratama, FR, Komariah, N., & Rodiah, S. (2023). The relationship between digital literacy skills and prevention of hoax news among students. Informatio: Journal of Library and Information Science , 2 (3), 165. https://doi.org/10.24198/inf.v2i3.43792

Rahmat, Faturochman, J., & Sutjipto. (nd). Perception of Women's Work Ability. Journal of Psychology .

Sugiyono, D. (2013). Quantitative, Qualitative, and Action Research Methods .

Syahputri, IB, & Katimin. (2024). The Influence of Student Activists on Socio-Political Change. Ganaya : Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities , 7 (4), 25–36. https://jayapanguspress.penerbit.org/index.php/ganaya

Published

2025-06-17

How to Cite

Wagimin, W., Khairunnisa, N. ., Anggasta, G. ., Hanum, F. ., & Erlianti, D. (2025). Students’ Perception of The Role of Change Agents in the Digital Era. Global Education Journal, 3(2), 335–342. https://doi.org/10.59525/gej.v3i2.744