The ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THE ROLE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS IN ADDRESSING HOAX INFORMATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Abstract

In the digital era, social media has become the main platform for information dissemination among students and society. However, easy access to information has also increased the spread of hoaxes, which can cause misunderstandings and reduce public trust. This study aims to analyze students’ perceptions of the role of public relations in handling hoax information on social media. The research used a quantitative method with a descriptive approach through online questionnaires distributed to students of the Office Administration Education Study Program at Makassar State University. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of percentages.The results showed that most students had positive perceptions of the role of public relations. Around 55%–65% of respondents agreed and 27%–40% strongly agreed regarding the role of public relations in improving digital information literacy, providing clarification, responding to hoaxes, utilizing social media, and monitoring and preventing hoaxes. Therefore, public relations is considered to play an important role in building students’ awareness of accurate and trustworthy information.