Digital Fluency: Why Gamers Might Make Better Communicators

Suciana   Wijirahayu; Eko  Digdoyo; Retno  Hendryanti; Asyam Ahmad  Fathin

doi:10.15408/bat.v32i1.50194

Authors

Suciana Wijirahayu Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. DR HAMKA
Eko Digdoyo Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. DR. HAMKA
Retno Hendryanti Universitas Telkom
Asyam Ahmad Fathin Akademi Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia Semarang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15408/bat.v32i1.50194

Keywords:

communication science, meta-gaming, digital adaptation, Perceived Communicative Competence (PCC), student-lecturer interaction

Abstract

Purpose

The primary objective of this study is to investigate how social media and online games influence student-lecturer interpersonal communication within a campus environment. Additionally, the research aims to identify strategies to mitigate adverse outcomes, such as potential addiction, while leveraging the positive benefits of these platforms to foster stronger academic relationships and English proficiency.

Method

This research employed a qualitative approach involving 70 Communication Science students in South Jakarta. Data were collected using a combination of semi-structured interviews and 20-item demographic questionnaires. The gathered data were then descriptively analyzed to understand the students' usage patterns and the subsequent impact on their academic communication and social interactions.

Results/findings

The study found that online games significantly enhance English speaking, pronunciation, and listening-based vocabulary through immersive, interactive environments. Furthermore, social media was shown to improve interaction with peers and lecturers by facilitating collaborative learning and direct engagement, effectively boosting students' confidence in English interpersonal communication.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the dual nature of digital tools, emphasizing their potential as educational aids despite the challenges of overuse. It is recommended that educators and policymakers develop balanced strategies and informed policies that maximize these linguistic and social benefits while mitigating potential drawbacks to ensure a healthy academic environment.

Author Biography

Suciana Wijirahayu, Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. DR HAMKA

Dr. Ir. Suciana Wijirahayu, M.Pd. is a permanent lecturer at UHAMKA. Her interest of research mostly relates to Beliefs about Language Learning and Language Learning Strategies.

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