Empowering High School Students’ Digital Literacy to Thrive in the Society 5.0 Era

Abstract

This community-based educational program aims to enhance digital literacy among high school students in responding to the challenges of the Society 5.0 era. The rapid integration of digital technology into various aspects of life requires students to possess not only technical skills but also critical thinking, ethical awareness, and the ability to create meaningful digital content. However, current conditions indicate that many students still demonstrate limited competencies in evaluating information, understanding digital ethics, and utilizing technology productively. This program employs a participatory and capacity-building approach through a series of structured activities, including training, mentoring, and practical implementation. The training focuses on strengthening students’ abilities in accessing, analyzing, evaluating, and creating digital information. The mentoring phase ensures continuous guidance and practical application of acquired knowledge. The results of the program indicate a significant improvement in students’ digital literacy competencies, particularly in critical evaluation of information, responsible use of digital platforms, and creative content production. Additionally, students show increased awareness of digital risks such as misinformation, cyberbullying, and data privacy issues. The findings highlight the importance of integrating digital literacy into educational systems to prepare students for a human-centered technological society. This program contributes to the development of adaptive, critical, and responsible digital citizens in the Society 5.0 era.