Strengthening Participatory Civic Skills of Gen Z in the Digital Era: Innovation in Civic Education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25217/ji.v10i3.6610Keywords:
Civic Education, generation Z, Participatory Civic Skills, Digital Era, Digital LiteracyAbstract
This study analyzes the strengthening of participatory citizenship skills among Generation Z students in the digital age, with a particular focus on their abilities to engage with public issues, monitor policies, and influence political processes. Using a qualitative approach with 150 participants, data were collected through open-ended questionnaire-based interviews and analyzed using thematic techniques. The research findings indicate that although students demonstrate advanced discursive skills and actively engage in online discussions, their participatory practices exhibit a spectrum of sophistication ranging from basic digital deliberation to more strategic forms of collaboration, such as advocacy, investigation, and documentation. However, these skills often face significant internal and external barriers, including public apathy, misinformation, and unsupportive socio-political practices. The study underscores the urgent need for innovative citizenship education that embraces experiential learning, digital collaboration, and project-based approaches that are adaptive to the characteristics of Generation Z. Recommendations The findings of this study make an important contribution to education because they offer ways to shape responsible citizens through digital integration, participatory pedagogy, and critical digital literacy.
References
Aditya Dewantara, J., Wandira, A., Hartati, O., Cahya, N., Sapitri, P., & Heru Nurgiansah, T. (2022). The Role of Buzzers in Social Media in Guiding Public Opinion Regarding Political Choices. JED: Journal of Etika Demokrasi, 7(3), 681-694. https://doi.org/10.26618/jed.v%vi%i.8103
https://doi.org/10.26618/jed.v7i3.8103 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26618/jed.v7i3.8103
Aldabbas, H., & Alzoukani, A. (2025). Determining the Challenges and Future Opportunities in Vocational Education and Training in the UAE: A Systematic Literature Review. Open Education Studies, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1515/edu-2025-0082
https://doi.org/10.1515/edu-2025-0082 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/edu-2025-0082
Alghamdi, J., Luo, S., & Lin, Y. (2023). A comprehensive survey on machine learning approaches for fake news detection. Multimedia Tools and Applications, 83(17), 51009-51067. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-023-17470-8
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-023-17470-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-023-17470-8
Anoraga, B., & Sakai, M. (2023). From pemuda to remaja: Millennials reproducing civic nationalism in post-New Order Indonesia. Indonesia and the Malay World, 51(150), 209-230.
https://doi.org/10.1080/13639811.2023.2225928 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13639811.2023.2225928
Bach, B., Keck, M., Rajabiyazdi, F., Losev, T., Meirelles, I., Dykes, J., Laramee, R. S., AlKadi, M., Stoiber, C., Huron, S., Perin, C., Morais, L., Aigner, W., Kosminsky, D., Boucher, M., Knudsen, S., Manataki, A., Aerts, J., Hinrichs, U., … Carpendale, S. (2023). Challenges and Opportunities in Data Visualization Education: A Call to Action. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1109/TVCG.2023.3327378
https://doi.org/10.1109/TVCG.2023.3327378 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/TVCG.2023.3327378
Boulianne, S., & Theocharis, Y. (2020). Young People, Digital Media, and Engagement: A Meta-Analysis of Research. Social Science Computer Review, 38(2), 111-127. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894439318814190
https://doi.org/10.1177/0894439318814190 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0894439318814190
Bowyer, B., & Kahne, J. (2020). The digital dimensions of civic education: Assessing the effects of learning opportunities. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appdev.2020.101162
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appdev.2020.101162 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appdev.2020.101162
BPS. (2023). Statistik Pemuda Indonesia 2023.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101.
https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa DOI: https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Bruner, J. S. (1961). The act of discovery. Harvard Educational Review, 31(1), 21-32.
Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
Dahl, R. A. (1992). The Problem of Civic Competence. Journal of Democracy, 3(4), 45-59. https://doi.org/10.1353/jod.1992.0048
https://doi.org/10.1353/jod.1992.0048 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1353/jod.1992.0048
Dahliyana, A., Budimansyah, D., Nurdin, E. S., Suryadi, A., & Cahyati, S. (2024). Project Citizen Digital: Does civic education strengthen the national defense character? Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences, 45(1), 159-166. https://doi.org/10.34044/j.kjss.2024.45.1.17
https://doi.org/10.34044/j.kjss.2024.45.1.17 DOI: https://doi.org/10.34044/j.kjss.2024.45.1.17
Damiani, V., Losito, B., Agrusti, G., & Schulz, W. (2022). Young Citizens' Views and Engagement in a Changing Europe IEA International Civic and Citizenship Education Study 2022 European Report IEA INTERNATIONAL CIVIC AND CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION STUDY 2022.
Dumitrica, D. (2020). Voice and Listening in Social Media Facilitated Activist Collectives. Canadian Review of Sociology/Revue Canadienne de Sociologie, 57(4), 582-603. https://doi.org/10.1111/cars.12302
https://doi.org/10.1111/cars.12302 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cars.12302
Earl, J., Maher, T. V., & Pan, J. (2022). The digital repression of social movements, protest, and activism: A synthetic review. Science Advances, 8(10). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abl8198
https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abl8198 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abl8198
Elecalde, R. G., García, J. C., Martos, A. L. B., & Arnáez, B. S. (2024). Digital and social-civic skills in future primary education teachers: A study from the didactics of social sciences for the improvement of teacher training in competences. Education Sciences, 14(2), 211.
https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14020211 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14020211
Etikan, I. (2016). Comparison of Convenience Sampling and Purposive Sampling. American Journal of Theoretical and Applied Statistics, 5(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajtas.20160501.11
https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajtas.20160501.11 DOI: https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajtas.20160501.11
Faulina, A., Chatra, E., & Sarmiati, S. (2021). Peran Buzzer dalam Proses Pembentukan Opini Publik di New Media. Jurnal Pendidikan Tambusai, 5(2), 2806-2820. www.kompas.com,
Fariah, A. (2025). The Dynamics of the Creative Economy and Social Transformation Among Urban Gen Z in Indonesia. Jurnal Multidisiplin Indonesia, 4(1), 93-105.
https://doi.org/10.58344/jmi.v4i1.2261 DOI: https://doi.org/10.58344/jmi.v4i1.2261
Firchow, P., & Selim, Y. (2022). Meaningful Engagement from the Bottom-Up? Taking Stock of Participation in Transitional Justice Processes. International Journal of Transitional Justice, 16(2), 187-203. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijtj/ijab031
https://doi.org/10.1093/ijtj/ijab031 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ijtj/ijab031
Fitzgerald, J. C., Cohen, A. K., Maker Castro, E., & Pope, A. (2021). A Systematic Review of the Last Decade of Civic Education Research in the United States. Peabody Journal of Education, 96(3), 235-246. https://doi.org/10.1080/0161956X.2021.1942703
https://doi.org/10.1080/0161956X.2021.1942703 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0161956X.2021.1942703
Friese, S. (2019). Qualitative Data Analysis with ATLAS.ti. In Qualitative Data Analysis with ATLAS.ti. SAGE Publications Ltd. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781529799590
https://doi.org/10.4135/9781529799590 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4135/9781529799590
Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Basic Books.
Ginzarly, M., & Teller, J. (2025). Leveraging social media for resilient cultural heritage: a people-centred conceptual framework for community engagement and crisis response. Built Heritage, 9(1), 40. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43238-025-00209-9
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43238-025-00209-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43238-025-00209-9
Hidayah, Y., Sapriya, S., Darmawan, C., Malihah, E., & Karliani, E. (2020). Promoting Civic Intelligence in Applied Science to Promote Interaction between Science: An Overview from the Perspective of Citizenship Education. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(8), 3782-3791. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.080859
https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.080859 DOI: https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.080859
Ismaul Fitroh, Disman, Kokom Komalasari, & Mamat Ruhimat. (2024). The Digital Literacy Instruments for University Students. Journal of Education Technology, 7(4), 653-661. https://doi.org/10.23887/jet.v7i4.67099
https://doi.org/10.23887/jet.v7i4.67099 DOI: https://doi.org/10.23887/jet.v7i4.67099
Janssen, D., & Carradini, S. (2021). Generation Z Workplace Communication Habits and Expectations. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication, 64(2), 137-153. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPC.2021.3069288
https://doi.org/10.1109/TPC.2021.3069288 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/TPC.2021.3069288
Karatsiori, M. (2023). In the pursuit of "Quality Education": From ancient times to the digital era, can there be a consensus? Cogent Education, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2286817
https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2286817 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2286817
Kemp, S. (2023). Digital 2023 global overview report.
Koren, N. (2023). Conceptualizing political information literacy among young people: A systematized review of the literature. Education, Citizenship, and Social Justice. https://doi.org/10.1177/17461979231189186
https://doi.org/10.1177/17461979231189186 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/17461979231189186
Kozyreva, A., Lewandowsky, S., & Hertwig, R. (2020). Citizens Versus the Internet: Confronting Digital Challenges With Cognitive Tools. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 21(3), 103-156. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100620946707
https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100620946707 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100620946707
Kusnadi, K., Sapriya, S., Budimansyah, D., & Wahab, A. A. (2023). Analyzing a project-based blended learning model for citizenship education to foster humanity literacy. Jurnal Civics: Media Kajian Kewarganegaraan, 20(1), 124-134. https://doi.org/10.21831/jc.v20i1.58858
https://doi.org/10.21831/jc.v20i1.58858 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21831/jc.v20i1.58858
Levinson, M., & Solomon, M. Z. (2021). Can Our Schools Help Us Preserve Democracy? Special Challenges at a Time of Shifting Norms. Hastings Center Report, 51(S1), S15-S22. https://doi.org/10.1002/hast.1224
https://doi.org/10.1002/hast.1224 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/hast.1224
Limilia, P., Gelgel, R. A., & Rahmiaji, L. R. (2022). Digital Literacy Among the Z Generation in Indonesia. 1-11. https://doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2022.01.02.1
https://doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2022.01.02.1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2022.01.02.1
Luguetti, C., Jice, N., Singehebhuye, L., Singehebhuye, K., Mathieu, A., & Spaaij, R. (2024). 'Sitting there and listening was one of the most important lessons I had to learn': critical capacity building in youth participatory action research. Journal of Youth Studies, 27(10), 1477-1493. https://doi.org/10.1080/13676261.2023.2226082
https://doi.org/10.1080/13676261.2023.2226082 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13676261.2023.2226082
Oley, J. D. B., Akhmadi, W. K., & Kutanegara, P. M. (2023). Baseline study on BASAbali's evaluation of youth civic participation in Bali and South Sulawesi. The SMERU Research Institute. https://smeru.or.id/en/publication/baseline-study-basabalis-evaluation-youth-civic-participation-bali-and-south-sulawesi
Milenkova, V., & Lendzhova, V. (2021). Digital citizenship and digital literacy in the conditions of social crisis. Computers, 10(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/computers10040040
https://doi.org/10.3390/computers10040040 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/computers10040040
NAEP. (2018). CIVICS FRAMEWORK for the 2018 NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS.
Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2017). Thematic Analysis: Striving to Meet the Trustworthiness Criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406917733847
https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406917733847 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406917733847
Nurjanah, N., Abdulkarim, A., Komalasari, K., Bestari, P., & Suwandi, M. A. (2024). Critical literacy of young citizens in the digital era. Jurnal Civics: Media Kajian Kewarganegaraan, 21(2). https://doi.org/10.21831/jc.v21i2.70232
https://doi.org/10.21831/jc.v21i2.70232 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21831/jc.v21i2.70232
Omotayo, F., & Folorunso, M. B. (2020). Use of Social Media for Political Participation by Youths. JeDEM - EJournal of EDemocracy and Open Government, 12(1), 132-157. https://doi.org/10.29379/jedem.v12i1.585
https://doi.org/10.29379/jedem.v12i1.585 DOI: https://doi.org/10.29379/jedem.v12i1.585
Pastrana-Huguet, J., Casado-Claro, M.-F., & Gavari-Starkie, E. (2022). Japan's Culture of Prevention: How Bosai Culture Combines Cultural Heritage with State-of-the-Art Disaster Risk Management Systems. Sustainability, 14(21), 13742. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113742
https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113742 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113742
Patrick, John. J., Hamot, Gregory. E., & Leming, Robert. S. (2003). Civic Learning in Teacher Education: International Perpectives on Education for Democracy in the Preparation of Teachers. ERIC Clearinghouse for Social Studies/Social Science Education, Indiana University.
Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods. SAGE Publications.
Peart, M., Higgins, S., Gutiérrez-Esteban, P., Y Cubo Delgado, S. (2024). Digital and socio-civic skills development and young people's perceptions of digital citizenship in the UK. Education, Citizenship and Social Justice, 19(3), 463-475. https://doi.org/10.1177/17461979231170232
https://doi.org/10.1177/17461979231170232 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/17461979231170232
Phan, V., & Kloos, B. (2023). Examining civic engagement in ethnic minority youth populations: A literature review and concept analysis. American Journal of Community Psychology, 71(1-2), 54-78. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajcp.12643
https://doi.org/10.1002/ajcp.12643 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ajcp.12643
Pira, F. (2023). Disinformation is a problem for democracy: profiling and risks of consensus manipulation. Frontiers in Sociology, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2023.1150753
https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2023.1150753 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2023.1150753
Putra, M. I. D. (2023). Political Buzzer: How Politics, Disinformation, & Social Media Intertwine. In the Center for Digital Society (CfDS).
Ribble, M. S., Bailey, G. D., & Ross, T. W. (2004). Digital Citizenship. In Learning & Leading with Technology (Vol. 32).
Robson, C., & McCartan, K. (2016). Real World Research. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data.
Ruess, C., Hoffmann, C. P., Boulianne, S., & Heger, K. (2023). Online political participation: the evolution of a concept. Information, Communication & Society, 26(8), 1495-1512. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2021.2013919
https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2021.2013919 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2021.2013919
Sakarang, S. F., Asli, M. F., & Hamzah, M. (2025). Narrative visualization: Taxonomy, methodologies, challenges, and opportunities. Information Visualization, 24(2), 199-223. https://doi.org/10.1177/14738716251315916
https://doi.org/10.1177/14738716251315916 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/14738716251315916
Sakban, A., Budimansyah, D., Darmawan, C., & Syaifullah, S. The implementation of civic education learning in Indonesia: a systematic literature review. Jurnal Pendidikan PKN (Pancasila dan Kewarganegaraan), 6(1), 230-250.
https://doi.org/10.26418/jppkn.v6i1.92829 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26418/jppkn.v6i1.92829
Saud, M., Ida, R., Mashud, M., Yousaf, F. N., & Ashfaq, A. (2023). Cultural dynamics of digital space: Democracy, civic engagement, and youth participation in virtual spheres. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 97, 101904.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2023.101904 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2023.101904
Suhariyanto, D., & Rozak, A. (2025). Political Participation, Civic Education, and Social Media on Generation Z's Political Engagement. The Eastasouth Journal of Social Science and Humanities, 2(02), 161-170. https://doi.org/10.58812/esssh.v2i02 DOI: https://doi.org/10.58812/esssh.v2i02.455
https://doi.org/10.58812/esssh.v2i02 DOI: https://doi.org/10.58812/esssh.v2i02
Suherlan, S. (2023). Digital Technology Transformation in Enhancing Public Participation in Democratic Processes. Technology and Society Perspectives (TACIT), 1(1), 10-17. https://doi.org/10.61100/tacit.v1i1.34
https://doi.org/10.61100/tacit.v1i1.34 DOI: https://doi.org/10.61100/tacit.v1i1.34
Sun, L., Rao, Y., Wu, L., Zhang, X., Lan, Y., & Nazir, A. (2023). Fighting False Information from the Propagation Process: A Survey. ACM Computing Surveys, 55(10), 1-38. https://doi.org/10.1145/3563388
https://doi.org/10.1145/3563388 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3563388
Symonds, J. C., Sievers, B. R., & Smith, J. A. (2022). Toward an Agenda for Pursuit of the Common Good: An Exploration. Global Perspectives, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1525/gp.2022.38554
https://doi.org/10.1525/gp.2022.38554 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1525/gp.2022.38554
Tarsidi, D. Z., Suryadi, K., Budimansyah, D., & Rahmat, R. (2023). Social media usage and civic engagement among Indonesian digital natives: An Analysis. Jurnal Civics: Media Kajian Kewarganegaraan, 20(2), 257-269. https://doi.org/10.21831/jc.v20i2.60812
https://doi.org/10.21831/jc.v20i2.60812 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21831/jc.v20i2.60812
Thaiyalan, S. G., & Choo, L. W. (2024). A 'good' neoliberal citizen: A policy analysis of conceptions of young Singaporean citizens. Policy Futures in Education, 22(6), 1169-1185. https://doi.org/10.1177/14782103231190696
https://doi.org/10.1177/14782103231190696 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/14782103231190696
Tian, W., Ge, J., Zheng, X., Zhao, Y., Deng, T., & Yan, H. (2024). Understanding the landscape of education for sustainable development in China: a bibliometric review and trend analysis of multicluster topics(1998-2023). Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11(1), 1213. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-03713-y
https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-03713-y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-03713-y
Villar-Onrubia, D., Morini, L., Marín, V. I., & Nascimbeni, F. (2022). Critical digital literacy as a key for (post)digital citizenship: an international review of teacher competence frameworks. Journal of E-Learning and Knowledge Society, 18(3), 128-139. https://doi.org/10.20368/1971-8829/1135697
Wahyuningroem, S. L., Sirait, R., Uljanatunnisa, U., & Heryadi, D. (2024). Youth political participation and digital movement in Indonesia: the case of# ReformasiDikorupsi and# TolakOmnibusLaw. F1000Research, 12, 543. DOI: https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.122669.2
https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.122669.3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.122669.3
Wilf, S., Wray-Lake, L., & Saavedra, J. A. (2023). Youth civic development amid the pandemic. In Current Opinion in Psychology (Vol. 52). Elsevier B.V. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101627
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101627 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101627
Willis, R., Curato, N., & Smith, G. (2022). Deliberative democracy and the climate crisis. WIREs Climate Change, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.759
https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.759 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.759
Xing, Y., Zhang, J. Z., Storey, V. C., & Koohang, A. (2024). Diving into the divide: a systematic review of cognitive bias-based polarization on social media. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 37(1), 259-287. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEIM-09-2023-0459
https://doi.org/10.1108/JEIM-09-2023-0459 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEIM-09-2023-0459
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Lisa Retnasari, Aim Abdulkarim, Dadang Sundawa, Prayoga Bestari, Anif Istianah, Suyitno, Ella Kusuma Wardani
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
