Optimizing Social Media for Character Education Based on Local Wisdom in the Digital Era

Background - This research shows that social media has a lot of potential to help young people learn about local wisdom. Because they are easily accessible, interactive and relevant to lifestyles, social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube are favorites of teenagers. Purpose - This research employs a qualitative methodology that uses a descriptive-exploratory approach. The descriptive-exploratory approach involves researchers collecting descriptive data, such as characteristics, behaviors, or experiences of participants, and then exploring existing relationships or patterns. Basic information about the participants or research sample typically includes selecting individuals who have experiences or characteristics related to the research topic, which can be chosen purposively or based on specific criteria, allowing for a deeper understanding of the phenomenon being studied. The analysis might explore the effectiveness of these platforms in fostering positive character traits, such as respect, honesty, and community engagement, and how they align with traditional values in the context of the digital era. Findings - The results show that innovative and engaging content is preferred over conventional methods. Strong visual content, in-depth stories, and those that bring additional value, such as entertainment or new knowledge, attract the attention of the younger generation. Social media can serve as a learning and inspiration tool for local cultural preservation through approaches such as collaboration with content creators, adaptation of trends, and real-time interaction. This study suggests a comprehensive strategy to support the use of social media to sustain local wisdom in the digital era. Conclusions - This study concludes that social media has a strategic role in promoting and preserving local wisdom among youth, provided the content is creative, value-driven, and aligned with current digital trends. The integration of local values into popular formats can build cultural awareness and character education in a more relatable and sustainable way for the younger generation. Novelty/Originality/Value - The novelty of this study lies in its focus on the intersection between digital culture and traditional values, specifically examining how youth-centered content strategies on platforms like TikTok and Instagram can effectively transmit and preserve local wisdom. Unlike prior studies that treat social media merely as a communication tool, this research positions it as an active space for cultural education and character development among digital-native generations.