Literasi Digital Sebagai Faktor Protektif Bagi Kesehatan Mental Remaja di Era Digital

Abstract

The rapid development of digital technology has transformed how adolescents access information, communicate, learn, and build social relationships. These changes provide opportunities but also increase exposure to misinformation, cyberbullying, social pressure, harmful content, and problematic social media use. This article aims to analyze the role of digital literacy in supporting adolescent mental health. A literature review method with a descriptive-analytical approach was employed. The literature consisted of peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, conceptual works, and official reports relevant to digital literacy, social media use, and adolescent mental health. The synthesis identified major concepts, patterns of findings, risk factors, protective factors, and implications for families and schools. The review indicates that digital literacy is not limited to operational skills in using digital devices; it also includes the ability to access, evaluate, create, and use information critically, safely, ethically, and responsibly. These competencies can help adolescents recognize unreliable information, manage privacy, respond to cyberbullying, regulate media use, and utilize digital spaces for social support. However, digital literacy should not be regarded as the sole determinant of mental health. The effects of digital media are shaped by individual characteristics, social context, content, patterns of use, family support, and school environments. Therefore, strengthening digital literacy should be integrated with mental health education, parental guidance, and safe-school policies as part of a comprehensive promotive and preventive strategy.