Digital Media Use and Students’ Political Information Consumption Patterns: Evidence from Religious Higher Education in Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effect of digital media usage on political information consumption patterns among students in the odd semester at STIAB Jinarakkhita Lampung. In the digital age, internet-based media has become the main source of political information for students due to its fast, interactive, and user-friendly nature. This study uses a quantitative approach through a survey of students selected based on specific characteristics. The research instrument, in the form of a questionnaire, was tested for validity and reliability and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The results show that the use of digital media has a strong and significant influence on political information consumption patterns. These findings indicate that the use of digital media plays an important role in shaping students' preferences, habits, and ways of accessing and understanding political issues. However, there are various other factors beyond digital media that also influence students' political information consumption patterns, such as social environment, direct interaction, organizational experience, and political education on campus. Overall, digital media has proven to be an important component in the process of shaping political literacy and awareness among students, although it is not the only determining factor.