Digital Literacy and Cultural Awareness as a Countermeasure to Algorithmic Bias in Intercultural Communication

Muhammad Fairuz Asra Hafit; Rizqi Wahyudi; Kamaruzzaman

doi:10.29240/jdk.v11i2.17041

Authors

Muhammad Fairuz Asra Hafit UIN Sultanah Nahrasiyah Lhokseumawe, Indonesia
Rizqi Wahyudi UIN Sultanah Nahrasiyah Lhokseumawe, Indonesia
Kamaruzzaman UIN Sultanah Nahrasiyah Lhokseumawe, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29240/jdk.v11i2.17041

Keywords:

Digital literacy, cultural awareness, algorithmic bias, intercultural communication

Abstract

Purpose − The development of digital technology and social media has increased the intensity of intercultural communication, but at the same time has created new challenges in the form of algorithmic bias that has the potential to influence perceptions, interactions, and cross-cultural understanding. This study aims to analyze the challenges of algorithmic bias in intercultural communication in the digital era and to examine the role of digital literacy and cultural awareness as strategies to minimize its impact.

Method − The study uses a qualitative approach with data collection techniques through systematic interviews with students and social media users in Indonesia who are actively engaged in digital intercultural interactions, as well as non-participant observation in various multicultural digital spaces. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns of algorithmic bias and user responses in dealing with this phenomenon.

Findings − The findings show that content personalization, the dominance of majority-group narratives, and the amplification of sensational information by algorithms contribute to the formation of unbalanced cultural perceptions and have the potential to reinforce stereotypes, misunderstandings, and social polarization. The research findings also show that digital literacy plays a role in improving users’ ability to understand algorithmic mechanisms, verify information, and reduce exposure to disinformation, while cultural awareness encourages the development of empathy, contextual understanding, and more comprehensive interpretation of intercultural messages. The synergy between digital literacy and cultural awareness has proven effective in reducing the impact of algorithmic bias and supporting the creation of more inclusive, adaptive, and equitable intercultural communication. The implications of this study emphasize the importance of strengthening digital literacy and cultural awareness in education systems, public policies, and digital platform development to create a more democratic and tolerant communication space that supports cultural diversity.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

ajmain, M. T. (2023). Dawah In The Digital Age : Utilizing Social Media For The Spread Of Islamic Teachings. (1), 1–7.

Alif, M. R. M. (2020). Metode Pendekatan Studi Hadis Tematik Dengan Grounded Theory Anselm Strauss Dan Barney Glaser. Journal Of Indonesian Hadist Studies, 3(1), 118–126. Https://Doi.Org/10.51875/Alisnad.V2i1.109

Ambarita, S. (2025). Code Mixing On Kristo Imm Anuel’s Twitter Account.

Anandani, T., & Aslami, N. (2023). The Role Of Transformational Leadership In Facing The Challenges Of Organizational Change Peran Kepemimpinan Transformasional Dalam Menghadapi Tantangan Perubahan Organisasi. 3(1), 63–68.

Andi Windah, Yulianto, Andy Corry Wardhani, Ida Nurhaida, N. Y. A. (2023). Calling For Multiculturalism-Based Communication Campaigns In Early Prevention Of Youth Diabetes: Examination Of Contemporary Indonesia. 2(6), 2128–2140.

Anuashok, A., Gupta, V., Tyagi, T., & Agarwal, T. (2024). A Study On The Impact Of Social Media On Modern Communication. 6(2), 1–14.

Asmunandar, Iqbal Arifin, D. P. D. (2024). Intercultural Interaction In The Multiethnic Context Of Makassar City : A Case Study In An. 2024, 759–768. Https://Doi.Org/10.18502/Kss.V9i2.14897

Bai, X. (2025). Influencing Without Speaking A Word : Exploring Social Media Influencers ’ Impact On Rural Tourism Through Visual Storytelling And Narrative Transportation.

Bilis, Y. (2024). Heliyon Navigating Truth And Disinformation : A Comparative Analysis Of Generational Responses To The 6 February 2023 Earthquake In Digital Media In Türkiye. 10(April). Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Heliyon.2024.E38667

Bokolo, B. G. (2024). Advanced Algorithmic Approaches For Scam Profile Detection On Instagram.

Brown, M. C., Rajkumar, R., & Webster, K. (2025). Fashioning Ethnic Pride : Women Of Color And The Outfit Transition Trend On Tiktok. Https://Doi.Org/10.1177/20563051251382451

Edwin Chris Odhiambo, Dr Thomas Losenje, P. F. I. (2022). Kiswahili As An Intercultural Communication Tool For Kenya-Uganda Cross-Border Trade. Journal Of Humanities And Social Sciences Studies, 67–110. Https://Doi.Org/10.32996/Jhsss

Efianingrum, A. (2022). Kesadaran Multikultural Generasi Z Dan Implikasinya Pada Pendidikan. 22(1), 1–20. Https://Doi.Org/10.21831/Hum.V22i1.49102.

Erdenebat, A. (2026). Digital Ageism ? Analyzing Women ’ S Depictions On Tiktok Through User-Generated Content Under # Aging And # Antiaging. 14(1), 230–251. Https://Doi.Org/10.1177/20501579251350900

Fountoulakis, M. St. (2024). Evaluating The Impact Of Ai Tools On Language Proficiency And Intercultural Communication In Second Language Education. International Journal Of Second And Foreign Language Education, 3(1), 12–26. Https://Doi.Org/10.33422/Ijsfle.V3i1.768

Galli, G. M. (2025). Know Thyself To Know The Truth : Fighting Disinformation In The Age Of Artificial Intelligence Through Foundational , Psychological And Emotional Literacy. Https://Doi.Org/10.1177/17816858251390921

Haikuo, L. (2025). Exploring The Impact Of Cultural Intelligence On Multicultural Literacy In University Students : A Serial Mediation Model Of Cultural Exposure And Cross-Cultural Communication Skills. (September), 1–15. Https://Doi.Org/10.3389/Fpsyg.2025.1661899

Hassan, M. S., & Kambuno, J. A. (2022). Penal Mediation : Criminal Case Settlement Process Based On The Local Customary Wisdom Of Dayak Ngaju. 6(1), 69–92.

Huang, M. (2025). Social Media And Cultural Knowledge Empirical Study In Digital Era. International Journal Of Knowledge Management Volume, 21(1), 1–24. Https://Doi.Org/10.4018/Ijkm.392806

Hui-Wen, S., Li, Z., Hashim, N., Tham, J. S., & Bidin, R. (2023). Superficial Causes Of Aum Theory Affect Uncertainty And Anxiety Among Students In A High-Context Culture. Journal Of Intercultural Communication, 120–132. Https://Doi.Org/10.36923/Jicc.V23i4.235

Iswaratama, A. (2024). Peran Komunitas Virtual Dalam Mendorong Interaksi Sosial Di Era Digital. 3(1), 51–61.

Jambi, U., & Batanghari, U. (2024). Speech Action Patterns Of Indonesian At Multi-Language Campus. 1(2), 46–55.

Jiang, D., & Dahl, B. (2023). Education Sciences A Systematic Review Of Engineering Students In Intercultural Teamwork : Characteristics , Challenges , And Coping Strategies.

Kusto, K. (2023). Upbringing And Its Modern Disintegration. 225–237.

Lin, X. (2024). Harnessing The Power Of Artificial Intelligence To Combat Abuse , Bias , And Discrimination In Social Media Algorithms. 0, 131–140. Https://Doi.Org/10.54254/2753-7048/36/20240443

Mariyono, D., & Maskuri, M. (2024). Building Bridges: Exploring Digital Strategies For Promoting Tolerance And Global Citizenship. International Journal Of Religion, 5(7), 679–691. Https://Doi.Org/10.61707/Tp31wx90

Martinez, P. R., & Lirola, F. V. (2024). Hate-Speech Countering By Immigrant And Pro-Immigrant Associations In Almeria (Spain) Pilar.

Muhammad Umar Nadeem, Kulich, S. J. (2023). The Impact Of Empathy , Sensation Seeking , Anxiety , Uncertainty , And Mindfulness On The Intercultural Communication In China During The Covid-19. (July), 1–9. Https://Doi.Org/10.3389/Fpubh.2023.1223215

Mwangi, E. (2023a). Biomedical Science And Clinical Research. 2(2), 221–236.

Mwangi, E. (2023b). Technology And Fake News : Shaping Social , Political , And Economic Perspectives Eric Mwangi.

Namazzi, S. (2024). The Relationship Between Political Ideology And Social Media Echo Chambers The Relationship Between Political Ideology And Social Media Echo Chambers. International Journal Of Humanity And Social Sciences, 2(2), 49–57.

Otieno, P. (2023). The Impact Of Social Media On Political Polarization. 58–66.

Ouya, V., Conteh, H., & Kagotho, N. (2025). Examining The Role Of Social Media And Imagined Communities In Addressing Social Welfare Gaps In Kenya. Https://Doi.Org/10.1177/20563051251345363

Pariser, E., Sunstein, C., Epstein, R., Jamieson, K. H., & Benkler, Y. (2024). Digital Echo Chambers: Amplifying Populist Rhetoric In The Age Of Social Media. 152–157.

Patil, S., Jani, A., & Konatam, S. (2024). Trend Ampli Cation Or Suppression : The Dual Role Of Ai In In Uencing Viral Content. (November).

Politics, D., Version, D., Media, S., Architectures, D., Approach, P., Communication, P., Coleman, S., Politics, D., & Elgar, E. (2023). Social Media Digital Architectures A Platform-First Approach To Political Communication And Participation Document Version :

Pratiwi, F. S. (2024). Peran Komunikasi Digital Dalam Pembentukan Opini Publik : Studi Kasus Media Sosial. 293–315.

Psychology, A. A.-M. A. In S. (2015). “Divided We Fall: A Multidisciplinary Analysis Of Polarisation, Social Divides And The Fragility Of Unity In Human Societies.” 1–28.

Rato, D. (2023). The Perspective Of Customary Law Community Cosmology On Woman , Land , And Food Security. 134(2019), 19–29. Https://Doi.Org/10.7176/Jlpg/134-03

Schipper, T. (2025). Disinformation By Design : Leveraging Solutions To Combat Misinformation In The Philippines ’ 2025 Election. Https://Doi.Org/10.1017/Dap.2025.18

Septyanto Galan Prakoso, Ferdian Ahya Al Putra, Z. A. S. (2024). The Development Of Media Literacy Focus In Indonesia: A Literature Study 2016-2021. 7(2), 159–168.

Shahzad, F. (2024). Critical Discourse Analysis Of Ethnic And Religious Minority Representation In Newspapers In Pakistan. 6(4), 1–47.

Shalihah, M. (2024). International Journal Of Social Science And Human Research Translanguaging In Social Media : A Case Study Of Puri Viera ’ S Youtube Channel. 07(01), 790–798. Https://Doi.Org/10.47191/Ijsshr/V7-I01-103

Sharma, A. E., Khosla, K., Potharaju, K., & Mukherjea, A. (2023). Covid-19 – Associated Misinformation Across The South Asian Diaspora : Qualitative Study Of Whatsapp Messages Corresponding Author : 3, 1–10. Https://Doi.Org/10.2196/38607

So¨Ylemez, N. H. (2025). Examination Of Teacher Candidates ’ Intercultural Sensitivity Levels By. (June), 1–18. Https://Doi.Org/10.1177/21582440251334441

Steen, E., Yurechko, K., & Klug, D. (2023). You Can (Not) Say What You Want: Using Algospeak To Contest And Evade Algorithmic Content Moderation On Tiktok. Social Media + Society, 9(3). Https://Doi.Org/10.1177/20563051231194586

Sunu Setiawan Utama* , Laila Fitriana, C. A. C., Aryo, F., & Noviyanto4, Devisa, Rosella Lestania, Azmi Shabira, Niswah, Hajar Ummu Dewi, Anindya Andam, Putri Purbandini, D. A. P. (2024). Sosialisasi Etika Bermedia Sosial Bagi Karang Taruna. 5(1), 191–205.

Tarun Gupta, S. B. (2024). Beyond Echo Chambers : Unraveling The Impact Of Social Media Algorithms On Consumer Behavior And Exploring Pathways To A Diverse Digital Discourse Beyond Echo Chambers : Unraveling The Impact Of Social Media Algorithms On Consumer Behavior And Exploring P. 7(1), 15–37.

Tran, S., Lin, C., Dosono, B., & Cotter, K. (2025). Tiktok As A Tool For Identity Work Among The Hoa Ethnic Community. (X). Https://Doi.Org/10.1177/20563051251363215

Uduak Udoudom, Godwin Williams, Anthony Igiri, Ememobong Okon, K. A. (2024). Emojis And Miscommunication In Text-Based Interactions Among Nigerian Youths. Journal Of Informatics And Web Engineering, 3(1).

Vieyra, L. I. (2023). Comunicación Intercultural En Las Organizaciones Multinacionales , Desde Una. 1–17.

Watson, V. W. M., & Hall, L. A. (2025). Envisioning Transbordered Algorithmic Identities Across African And Asian Immigrants ’ Digital Narratives. 11(1), 1–19. Https://Doi.Org/10.1177/23328584251403502

Williams, T. B., Marston, J., & Ayesha, W. (2025). Assessing The Impact Of Virtual Reality And Zoom On Learning Experiences In Instructor Training Program. (October 2024), 435–455. Https://Doi.Org/10.1002/Fer3.70002

Wulandari, A., Alfiani, F., & Saputra, T. (2024). Pentingnya Mengintegrasikan Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan Dalam Kurikulum Sekolah Melalui Perspektif Global. (3), 1–11.

Xue, F., & Chen, X. (2024). Algorithmic Frontiers In Global English Literary And Cultural Studies : Navigating The Digital Shift. 0, 180–185. Https://Doi.Org/10.54254/2753-7048/47/20240926

Y, P. R., Aiswarya, B., & A, J. A. S. (2025). Embracing Emojis : Bridging The Gap In Workplace Technology Adoption And Elevating Communication Effectiveness. 15(1), 156–162. Https://Doi.Org/10.1177/20438869231220676

Zulfikar, E., & Abidin, A. Z. (2019). Kecenderungan Tekstual Pada Tafsir Ayat-Ayat Gender: Telaah Penafsiran Wahbah Az-Zuhaili Dalam Kitab Tafsir Al-Munir. Al Quds : Jurnal Studi Alquran Dan Hadis, 3(2), 135. Https://Doi.Org/10.29240/Alquds.V3i2.829