Combating Misinformation and Polarization Through Civic Education at School in the Digital Era (Case Study in SMP Negeri 11 Samarinda)

Abstract

In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly through digital platforms, civic education emerges as a crucial tool to foster media literacy, critical thinking, and democratic engagement. This study explores how civic education can be optimized to combat misinformation and social polarization among youth, particularly in educational settings. Using a qualitative content analysis approach, we examined civic education curricula, teaching strategies, and student responses in Indonesian secondary schools. The findings suggest that integrating media literacy into civic education lessons significantly increases students’ ability to identify disinformation and engage in respectful discourse. Moreover, participatory pedagogies—such as deliberative discussions and project-based learning—help reduce polarization by promoting empathy, active listening, and collaboration. The paper concludes by offering a framework for redesigning civic education to be responsive to digital challenges while strengthening democratic values.