STRENGTHENING LITERACY TRADITION IN FACING HOAXES IN HUMAIRA MADRASAHKU

One category of dangerous hoax content is one that takes religious issues. Based on research by the Indonesian Anti-Defamation Society (Mafindo), hoaxes regarding religion, politics, and health are ranked high, with the total number of hoaxes reaching 2,298 hoaxes (kompas.com/ 5/6/2021). The existence of hoaxes with religious issues is very dangerous because it can divide the Indonesian nation who are used to living in diversity. The existence of hoaxes with religious issues is disseminated along with big moments such as elections, presidential elections and regional elections. This condition if not anticipated properly will cause perceptions and perspectives that can cause division.

Efforts in anticipating hoaxes with religious issues are to improve literacy skills in recognizing and checking the existence of hoaxes so that they can be counteracted. According to Darmastuti et al (2018:437) the provision of media literacy has the aim of educating and utilizing the media with a critical approach so that it is not easily exploited by the interests behind the information received. Giving this literacy is done early because the use of gadgets (one of the media that spread hoaxes) has also reached the younger generation, especially students. Hoaxes are of course not only on religious issues. But also various issues can be wrapped in various ways to cause anxiety, fear, and even denial of something that is not appropriate.

Based on this, through the FISIP UNIB community service scheme, Communication Science lecturers carry out strengthening literacy traditions to the Humaira Madrasahku religious school located on Jalan Padat Karya Kota Bengkulu.

During the implementation of the service, there was an interaction between the resource person and the participants consisting of grade VII, VIII, IX students, as well as several accompanying teachers. It can be seen that all students have and use social media accounts in various ways. The average time they spend playing social media for 2-3 hours per day, for entertainment and looking for information related to schoolwork.

Of course the victims of hoax news never look at age. From parents, adults, to children everything is vulnerable. It is hoped that this service can be carried out continuously, as a form of scientific contribution to the community is devoted to be a fortress for the prevention of hoax news in various circles.