Social Sciences and Humanities Open (Jan 2025)

Digital citizenship literacy in Indonesia: The role of privacy awareness and social campaigns

  • Rossi Iskandar,
  • Arifin Maksum,
  • Arita Marini

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101697
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12
p. 101697

Abstract

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This study aims to examine the influence of Digital Citizenship Education and Technological Literacy Ability on Digital Privacy Awareness and Participation in Digital Social Campaigns, as well as their subsequent influence on Digital Citizenship Literacy Ability. Additionally, the mediating roles of Digital Privacy Awareness and Participation in Digital Social Campaigns are analyzed. A quantitative research approach was employed, using a survey method to collect data from 250 respondents of students from several high schools in Jakarta. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test the proposed hypotheses. The findings confirm that Digital Citizenship Education significantly enhances both Digital Privacy Awareness and Participation in Digital Social Campaigns. Similarly, Technological Literacy Ability positively influences Digital Privacy Awareness and Participation in Digital Social Campaigns. Moreover, Digital Privacy Awareness directly improves Digital Citizenship Literacy Ability and mediates the relationships between Digital Citizenship Education and Technological Literacy Ability with Digital Citizenship Literacy Ability. However, the influence of Participation in Digital Social Campaigns on Digital Citizenship Literacy Ability was not supported, nor did it serve as a mediator in the tested relationships. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the role of digital education and technological skills in fostering responsible digital behavior. It highlights the critical function of Digital Privacy Awareness as a key driver of Digital Citizenship Literacy Ability. The findings have important implications for policymakers and educators, emphasizing the need to strengthen digital privacy education within curricula. The originality of this research lies in its comprehensive examination of Digital Citizenship Literacy Ability and the mediating roles of Digital Privacy Awareness and Participation in Digital Social Campaigns, offering new insights into the mechanisms underlying digital competence development.

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