MAKING FIKOM UG PROUD: DR. WIDIASTIANA VISTA WIJAYA, S.I.KOM., M.I.KOM. EARNS A DOCTORATE IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES WITH CUM LAUDE HONORS
Hello, Fikomers!
More proud news comes from the academic community of the Faculty of Communication Sciences, Universitas Gunadarma. The entire FIKOM UG academic community extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Widiastiana Vista Wijaya, S.I.Kom., M.I.Kom., Lecturer and Staff Member of the Undergraduate Communication Studies Program at Universitas Gunadarma, on successfully completing her Open Doctoral Promotion Examination in Communication Studies with cum laude honors.
This achievement marks an important milestone in her academic journey and reflects her continued commitment to advancing communication studies through research that addresses the evolving dynamics of society in the digital era.
EXAMINING THE ETHICS OF SHARENTING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
As part of her academic journey, Dr. Widiastiana Vista Wijaya, S.I.Kom., M.I.Kom. successfully defended her dissertation entitled:
“Digital Communication Ethics: An Examination of Sharenting Practices on Social Media.”
The research examines the phenomenon of sharenting, referring to the practice of parents sharing information, photographs, videos, and various aspects of their children’s lives on social media.
Amid the rapid development of digital platforms, sharenting has become part of everyday life for many families. Social media provides parents with a space to document their children’s development, share parenting experiences, and interact with their social networks.
However, behind this practice are various ethical concerns that require careful consideration, particularly those related to privacy, digital security, consent, representation, and children’s rights over their digital identities.
CHILDREN AS SUBJECTS IN DIGITAL COMMUNICATION
One important perspective in the study of sharenting concerns how children are positioned in decision-making processes regarding information about themselves that is shared in digital spaces.
The digital footprints created through parents’ posts can remain accessible for long periods and may potentially affect children later in life. Therefore, decisions to share content about children involve not only parents’ freedom to share their experiences but also the need to consider children’s interests and rights.
This perspective positions children not merely as objects featured in content, but as individuals whose privacy, dignity, and interests deserve recognition and respect.
DEVELOPING THE ETHICAL SHARENTING FRAMEWORK
One of the key contributions of this research is the development of the Ethical Sharenting Framework, which integrates the perspectives of Communication Privacy Management and Deontology to provide a more ethical and responsible approach to understanding the sharing of information about children.
The framework is structured around three primary dimensions: child participation and agency, privacy and digital security, and child dignity and representation.
The dimension of child participation and agency emphasizes the importance of considering children’s voices and involvement according to their age and capacity. The privacy and digital security dimension focuses on the management of personal information and the potential risks that may arise when content involving children is published online.
Meanwhile, the child dignity and representation dimension emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the ways children are portrayed on social media continue to respect their dignity, identity, and best interests.
CONTRIBUTING TO THE STUDY OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATION
The development of social media has created an increasingly complex communication environment. The boundaries between private and public spheres have become more fluid, while information shared digitally can leave traces that may be difficult to completely erase.
Within this context, research on digital communication ethics has become increasingly relevant. Communication studies should not only examine how technology is used but also critically consider how technology ought to be used responsibly.
The Ethical Sharenting Framework developed through this research is expected to enrich academic discussions on family communication, digital privacy, communication ethics, social media, and child protection within the digital ecosystem.
The research also opens further opportunities for studies exploring the relationships among technology, family life, children’s rights, and the responsibilities of social media users.
RESEARCH RELEVANT TO LIFE IN A DIGITAL SOCIETY
The phenomenon of sharenting demonstrates that issues surrounding digital communication are closely connected to everyday life. Every post may carry consequences that extend beyond the moment when the content is published and may continue into the future.
Therefore, digital literacy must go hand in hand with ethical awareness. The ability to use technology should be accompanied by careful consideration of privacy, security, individual rights, and the potential consequences of every piece of information shared.
Through this research, Communication Studies once again demonstrates its important role in understanding and providing perspectives on the social transformations brought about by technological development.
The Faculty of Communication Sciences, Universitas Gunadarma, extends its highest appreciation and pride in the achievement of Dr. Widiastiana Vista Wijaya, S.I.Kom., M.I.Kom.
May this doctoral degree mark the beginning of many more scholarly works, research projects, and academic contributions that enrich the development of Communication Studies and provide meaningful benefits to society.
Congratulations, Dr. Widiastiana Vista Wijaya, S.I.Kom., M.I.Kom.!
May you continue to create meaningful work, inspire others, and make valuable contributions to the advancement of communication studies in the digital era.
