MEDIA SOSIAL SEBAGAI RUANG BELAJAR ANAK DI ERA DIGITAL: PELUANG PEMBELAJARAN DAN DILEMA PENGAWASAN

Abstract

The development of digital technology has driven social media to transform from merely a means of communication and entertainment into a new learning space for elementary school children. Social media such as WhatsApp, TikTok, and Instagram are now beginning to be utilized in the learning process, both as a medium for delivering material, assignments, and a means of interaction between teachers, students, and parents. This study aims to analyze the role of social media as a learning space for elementary school children in the digital era, examine the pedagogical opportunities it offers in learning, and identify the dilemmas and challenges of supervision faced by teachers and parents. This study used a qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytical design and was conducted at SDN Menampu 03. The research subjects included teachers, students, and parents who were selected purposively. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, then analyzed through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions using triangulation techniques. The results show that social media is utilized as a learning space through various digital learning products, such as educational videos on TikTok and Instagram, discussion groups and material delivery via WhatsApp, online quizzes, and other interactive digital content. This utilization provides significant pedagogical opportunities to improve students' digital literacy, communication skills, creativity, critical thinking, and independent learning, while expanding access to learning outside the classroom and strengthening student engagement in the learning process. However, the use of social media as a learning space also presents supervisory dilemmas, particularly related to learning distractions and limited teacher and parental control. This study confirms that collaborative supervision between teachers and parents is a key factor in optimizing the function of social media as a safe, meaningful, and sustainable learning space for children.