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VOLUME 6, ISSUE 1
February 2026
Fitri Hardianti
Riau Islamic University, Indonesia
Wahyudi Kumorotomo
Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia
Widodo Agus Setianto
Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia
ABSTRACT
Today's generation of children and adolescents is surrounded by and immersed in digital environments. Excessive use (overuse) of digital media often makes children vulnerable in several aspects, including psychological, social, physical, and others. On the other hand, technology has become an inseparable part of their lives. This study aims to identify and analyze the development of a body of knowledge, particularly concerning digital literacy in children and adolescents globally. The method used for the analysis is bibliometric, using Scopus as the database source. Data was retrieved on September 4, 2025, using the keywords ("digital literacy") AND ("children" OR "teenager"), with filters applied including range (year) from 2002-2024, and subject area selected from social sciences. After filtering, 578 documents emerged from 1,019 documents obtained for analysis. The research results show that the bibliometric analysis of research on "digital literacy in children or adolescents" provides broad directions for future research. First and foremost, identifying the most productive authors and their contributions in this field can help future researchers find important literature and collaborators. Furthermore, the keyword analysis discussed in this research is expected to help future researchers discover unexplored topics. Additionally, research results from various countries indicate that research on "digital literacy in children and adolescents" should be more diverse and inclusive. Future research can focus on educational technology, artificial intelligence, and digital parenting.
Keywords: Child Digital Literacy, Digital Era, Bibliometric Analysis, Research Trends, Thematic Map
Nur Haniz Mohd Nor
Taylor’s University, Malaysia
NurHaniz.MohdNor@taylors.edu.my
Nurun Najah Tarmidzi
Taylor’s University, Malaysia
Kok Jia Wern
Taylor’s University, Malaysia
ABSTRACT
This case study explores the integration of AI avatars into a HyFlex Mass Communication course at Taylor’s University, aiming to evaluate their effectiveness in enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes. Despite growing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education, concerns persist about pedagogical authenticity and acceptance among lecturers and students alike. Guided by Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT), Media Richness Theory (MRT), and Social Presence Theory (SPT), the study employed a qualitative, autoethnographic research design that involved reflective journaling and live student feedback throughout a 14-week semester. Findings reveal that while initial resistance to AI avatars was present, students gradually recognized their value when positioned as supplementary rather than substitutive tools for teaching. The avatars contributed positively to revision, motivation, and digital interactivity but were limited by student concerns over authenticity and perceived instructional quality. The study concludes that meaningful integration of AI avatars depends on alignment with pedagogical goals, clear communication of purpose, and lecturer-led facilitation. It offers practical recommendations for institutions adopting AI-enhanced, student-centred learning environments.
Keywords: Mass Communication, Hyflex Learning, Learning, AI, Taylor’s University
Abdulbaqi Saudat Salah
University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Musliyu Raufu
University of Abuja, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic presented a critical test for journalistic ethics, in which responsible reporting was essential for public health. This study investigates the ethical dimensions within the media ecosystem surrounding the reportage of Kwara State's first confirmed COVID-19 case. Utilizing a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of journalists and media scholars. The data collected were thematically analysed to identify recurring patterns and insights regarding ethical malpractices. The analysis revealed a significant consensus on major ethical infractions in the reportage. Key findings identify a critical gap between theoretical knowledge of ethics and practical application, manifesting as a clear prioritization of speed over accuracy, sensationalist language, and a gross breach of patients’ privacy. These ethical lapses were not just procedural failures but directly acted as a trigger of stigmatisation, leading to severe emotional trauma, social ostracisation, and economic boycott for the affected family. Furthermore, the study uncovered a systemic deficit in trauma-informed journalism within the Nigerian media framework, with a lack of specialised training and guidelines for reporting on crises especially health emergencies. The study concludes that the reporting on the Kwara index case exemplifies an intense ethical crisis in Nigerian journalism, driven by clickbait economics and a lack of accountability mecahnism. This failure transformed the media from a vital public informer into an amplifier of public fear and social harm. The findings stress an urgent need for institutional reforms, including the integration of trauma-informed practices, mandatory retraining, and the updating of regulatory codes.
Keywords: COVID-19, Media Ethics, Journalists, Media Scholars, Health, Kwara State, Nigeria
Lim Jane
Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia
Syamsyul Anuar Ismail
Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia
ABSTRACT
In the digital marketing era, TikTok has become a significant platform influencing consumer behaviour, especially among Generation Z. This research explores the influence of six essential traits—trustworthiness, expertise, attractiveness, respect, similarity, and authenticity, on the purchasing intentions of Gen Z users in Malaysia on TikTok. Based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and enhanced by the TEARS model, the study utilised a quantitative, cross-sectional approach, gathering data from 380 undergraduate students at Universiti Utara Malaysia. Participants assessed influencer traits alongside their purchasing intentions through a structured questionnaire. Statistical methods, including Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression, indicated that trustworthiness, expertise, similarity, and attractiveness significantly influenced purchasing intentions. Although respect and authenticity were positively correlated, they did not demonstrate a significant effect in the regression analysis. These results highlight the importance of credibility, relatability, and visual appeal for influencers' effectiveness on TikTok. They suggest that authenticity and respect might play a more significant role in fostering long-term relationships rather than driving immediate purchases. The research contributes theoretically by expanding the TEARS model and offers practical insights for marketers aiming to improve engagement with Gen Z through influencer tactics. Limitations include a focus on a single university sample and reliance on self-reported data, both of which point to potential areas for future research involving broader demographics and longitudinal studies. Overall, this study enhances the understanding of how digital influencers affect consumer behaviour in a fast-changing social media landscape.
Keywords: TikTok Influencers, Generation Z, Purchasing Intentions, TEARS Model, Digital Consumer Behaviour