Role of Digital Literacy in Shaping the Socialization of University Students

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to explore the current landscape of digital literacy among university students; to identify the role of digital literacy on socialization dynamics within university students. This study collected quantitative data from 300 students through a questionnaire. The analysis found that majority of the respondents agreed that digital literacy assists students in developing social skills and etiquette, digital literacy positively impacts their social interaction manners, digital literacy has significant impact on communication skills, digital tools influence their social interactions. They had also agreed that digital literacy influences their perception of social norms, digital literacy facilitates and integrates different cultures, norms, and practices, access to digital technology can bridge up social interaction gaps among students, digital literacy can empower students to participate more actively in civic engagement, digital literacy promotes critical thinking among students. They had also agreed that digital literacy has made people more connected, digital literacy platforms influenced their values or attitudes toward social issues, digital literacy education emphasizes ethical considerations during socialization, empathy can be cultivated and practiced in online interactions, similar to face-to-face interactions, digital literacy tools can help to convey empathy and emotional nuances effectively. They had also agreed that digital literacy promotes understanding and respect among university students and digital literacy skills enhance students’ adaptability in social settings.