UPN Veteran East Java Educates SMA Ta’miriyah Surabaya Students on Digital Communication Ethics

Surabaya, JurnalPost.com — The ease of communicating via social media is not always accompanied by an understanding of interaction ethics. Offensive comments, the spread of unverified information, and cyberbullying are issues that require attention, especially among students.

Addressing this situation, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional (UPN) “Veteran” East Java provided education on digital communication ethics and etiquette to students at SMA Ta’miriyah Surabaya on Monday (10/12/2026).

This activity aims to increase students' awareness so they can be wiser and more responsible when using digital media, particularly when interacting on social media.

During the session, students were encouraged to understand that digital communication is more than just the ability to convey messages quickly. Choosing words carefully, respecting others' opinions, and considering the impact of a post are essential parts of building healthy communication.

The Importance of Maintaining Ethics on Social Media

Technological advancements have made it easier for students to connect with others regardless of time and space. However, the freedom to communicate also brings responsibilities that cannot be ignored.

Through the material presented, students were introduced to the principles of polite digital communication, such as using courteous language, respecting differing opinions, and refraining from spreading unverified information.

Students were also reminded to avoid comments that contain insults, bullying, or hate speech.

In addition to communication ethics, attention was given to the importance of maintaining privacy and understanding the consequences of one's digital footprint. Posts, comments, and messages shared on the internet can be stored and affect a person's reputation in the future.

UPN East Java speaker Reza Mehdi Fauzi explained that politeness in communication is part of character building for the younger generation.

According to him, the ability to use technology must go hand-in-hand with moral awareness and mutual respect.

“Politeness in communication must be maintained, whether speaking in person or through digital media. Students need to understand that behind the screen of the device they are using, there is another person who has feelings and the right to be respected,” he said.

This message emphasizes that the freedom to express opinions on the internet does not mean one can ignore the feelings and rights of others.

Digital Literacy Requires More Than Just Mastering Technology

This education also highlighted the importance of building a culture of digital literacy within the school environment.

Students are expected not only to be skilled in using devices and various applications but also to be able to filter information, think critically, and understand the consequences of their activities in the digital space.

Social media can actually be a useful tool for students to expand their knowledge, develop creativity, share work, and build positive friendships.

However, these benefits are optimized only when usage is accompanied by a sense of responsibility.

The Principal of SMA Ta’miriyah Surabaya, M. Romadhon, welcomed the implementation of this activity. Education on digital communication is considered relevant to the lives of students who are increasingly close to technology and social media usage.

“This education is very important because it provides students with insights on how to use digital media wisely and responsibly. We hope the material presented is not only understood but also applied in daily life, whether communicating with friends, teachers, or the public through social media,” said a representative of SMA Ta’miriyah Surabaya.

Through this activity, students are expected to apply polite communication in their daily lives, both when interacting directly and through digital platforms.

The education provided by UPN East Java also serves as part of an effort to strengthen digital literacy and student character development.

Amidst rapid technological development, digital proficiency is not measured solely by one's ability to operate devices or use social media, but also by the ability to maintain ethics, respect differences, and take responsibility for every piece of information shared.

With this understanding, students are expected to utilize the digital space as a place to learn, create, and build positive interactions without ignoring the values of politeness and respect for others.