Awareness Level towards the Validity and Reliability of Electronic Information among Students
Zul Hilmi Abdullah, Shaharudin Ismail, Abd Hamid, Abd Murad, Bandar Baru Nilai, Islam Malaysia · 2015
Landscape of delivery and dissemination of information has changed drastically with the development of electronic communication technologies. Now, the electronic media is one of the main sources of information for youth. The nature of electronic media, which more open and easily accessible making it quick and widespread medium of dissemination. However, freedom in the dissemination of information electronically creates a big issue which is on the validity and reliability of an information, whether the source or content of the information itself. With high dependency on electronic media, information dissemination about something that is not authentic will certainly have negative implications. The information is intended to revolve around political, economic, social and religious. Even worse, when there are youth that influenced by extremist groups such as the group of the Islamic State (IS) in Syria that use electronic media as a medium to influence people. This paper discusses a study on the level of awareness of student on electronic media that focuses on the reliability of the online information on the Internet. The main issues discussed include awareness of the law or act relating to electronic communications and information security, relation of the communication technology to the spread of information, agency or authority responsible for dealing with issues involving electronic media, the reliability of an information from the perspective of Islam and their role as students, da'e (preacher) and technologist to confront issues involving electronic media. This research conducted with 23 students of public universities that are exposed and accessed to information electronically. The respondents are involved, students with a background in Islamic studies and information technology. A case study was given to the group of students to improve their awareness of the importance of validation and reliability of the information obtained. After examining the case studies, the level of awareness of students on the issues is expected to increase compared to before the case studies are given. This study is not only to raise awareness of youth on the key issues raised in respect of the reliability of electronic information, but is also expected to provide a new paradigm for the respondents and disseminate their knowledge to others in line with their role as techno da'e.