The Role of Digital Media in Social Transformation of Transitional Society in Pangandaran, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Pangandaran is a tourist area and a new district that is experiencing rapid development in West Java, Indonesia. This study aims to reveal the existence of digital media in Pangandaran and its implications in the process of social transformation. Studying social transformation means examining the various ways in which the forces of globalization affect local communities and national societies with very diverse historical experiences, economic and social patterns, political institutions, and cultures. (Castles, 2001). The research was conducted on three local online media that reach the people of Pangandaran and its surroundings, namely radartasik.com, HarapanRakyat.com and SEPUTARPANGANDARAN.COM The method used is a case study with data collection techniques in the form of content analysis, observation and in-depth interviews. Content analysis is carried out in a narrative manner on the websites of the three media and the various social media used. The results of the study show that social media has the potential to develop the media in Pangandaran, as evidenced by the high engagement of audiences with their social media. Local media content is still considered by the community to be very limited in meeting their information needs. However, there is a significant impact related to the presence and access of digital media, especially social media, on local communities in carrying out global interactions. Digital media has also proven to be a source of information for teenagers to compare various aspects of life in their environment and in other environments. To increase the positive implications of the existence of digital media, digital literacy is needed in the community, especially regarding digital safety among teenagers in the use of digital media.