The Imanuel Student Activity Unit (UKM) of Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA), in collaboration with Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA), held a digital literacy training entitled “Digital Literacy Training to Counter the Negative Influence of Technology on Teenagers and University Students in Madiun City” at the Integrated Lab of UNIPMA, Saturday, 21/06/2025, yesterday.

The activity's chief organizer, Fransisca Feby Ayu Amalia, explained that this theme was chosen due to the relevance of digital literacy needs for the younger generation amidst rapid technological development. “Digital literacy skills are crucial to face various challenges in the global era,” she said.

The event was attended by students from UNIPMA, UNESA, and Madiun State Polytechnic (Poltek), as well as several lecturers from each campus. Among them were Arri Kurniawan, S.S., M.Pd. (UNIPMA), a team of lecturers from UNESA, and Dr. Heny Sidanti, S.E., M.M. (Advisor of UKM Imanuel UNIPMA).

In his speech, Arri Kurniawan, S.S., M.Pd., conveyed that inter-university collaboration can encourage students to be more tech-savvy and to understand digital ethics values. This statement was also supported by representatives from the PKM Team of UNESA who agreed that digital literacy is highly necessary for today’s generation.

The training, which featured Handy Wicaksono, Ph.D., covered various topics ranging from digital security, social media ethics, to the use of technology for learning and self-development.

The agenda aimed to enhance participants’ awareness and digital literacy capabilities, including using technology wisely, productively, and safely. In addition, participants were also equipped with digital character values to better prepare them for the challenges of the technological era.

“This training is designed so that students can become agents of change in the responsible use of technology, as well as pioneers of digital literacy on campus and in the community,” explained Feby.

This activity is also in line with the spirit of the Merdeka Campus program, which emphasizes the development of both soft skills and hard skills for learners. It is hoped that this training will have a long-term impact in shaping a digitally literate younger generation who use technology wisely and are ready to compete in the global digital era.