Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Melalui Edukasi Literasi Digital: Program Berbasis Community Empowerment

Abstract

The digital divide remains a significant challenge in community development efforts in the era of digital transformation. Unequal access to information technology, limited digital literacy, and a lack of critical awareness regarding online information are among the key barriers faced by marginalized and semi-urban communities. Digital literacy goes beyond basic technical skills; it includes cognitive, social, and ethical competencies necessary for safe, productive, and meaningful engagement in digital spaces. This article discusses the implementation of a digital literacy education program based on a community empowerment approach. The program emphasizes active community involvement from the planning phase to implementation and participatory evaluation. A qualitative participatory method was used through needs assessment, training sessions, mentoring, and collaborative reflection. The program was conducted in a semi-urban neighborhood in Indonesia, involving 30 participants from various backgrounds, including small business owners, housewives, and local youth groups.

The results show significant improvement in participants’ digital skills, such as navigating the internet, using social media for business promotion, identifying misinformation, and practicing digital safety. Furthermore, the empowerment-based approach contributed to enhanced self-confidence, increased social participation, and stronger communal bonds. This study concludes that digital literacy education, when implemented with a participatory and contextualized model, can be a powerful tool for grassroots social transformation. These findings offer practical insights for governments, educational institutions, and civil society organizations in replicating and scaling inclusive digital empowerment programs.