Digital Activism in Environmental Sustainability Issues: An Analysis of Media Literacy Within the Framework of Globalization-Induced Social Movements (Gisms)

Abstract

Indonesia faces a serious challenge related to a water crisis predicted to occur in 2040, particularly on the island of Java. This has led to the emergence of environmental social movements initiated through various media, including Instagram. The account, Jaga Semesta, is a digital grassroots movement focused on campaigning for spring restoration and advocating for environmental issues. This study aims to describe the role of digital activism in advocating for issues through the Jaga Semesta account. The theory applied in this study is GISMs (Globalization-Induced Social Movements) by Paul Almeida.The study was conducted using a qualitative content analysis approach, with data collection techniques through observation and documentation. The results show that Jaga Semesta consistently engages in digital grassroots activities related to environmental sustainability and spring restoration. Furthermore, GISMs' digital activism has also contributed to the community's efforts.and building collective awareness and successfully bringing about behavioral change through the spring monitoring and restoration movement. Meanwhile, media literacy plays a role in shaping critical audience awareness, encouraging public participation, and strengthening the movement's legitimacy through the dissemination of credible information. The use of digital technology has now transformed from a mere consumption tool into a crucial means of community empowerment to educate about the risks of water crises due to blocked springs, while simultaneously encouraging innovation in sustainable clean water management to achieve SDG 6. Strong public support will have an impact on water restoration efforts, and social media can be used to disseminate this information to a wider reach.