Tolerance is a noble value that is the foundation of national harmony that is now facing serious challenges amidst the rapid flow of media modernization. Digital space, which should be a place for the exchange of positive information and ideas, is often filled with hate speech, discrimination, and extreme ideologies that threaten unity. In the midst of this uncontrolled vortex of information, the younger generation is a group that is vulnerable to being exposed to intolerance and extremism.

Students, as part of the younger generation who have an important role in maintaining religious and national values, have great potential to become agents of change in fighting intolerance. However, they are also not immune from the threat of exposure to misleading and provocative information on social media. Therefore, literacy and media skills are very crucial for them.

Literacy in this context is not only the ability to read and write, but also the ability to understand, analyze, and evaluate the information received. Media skills, on the other hand, include the ability to use media wisely and responsibly, as well as the ability to distinguish between true and false information. These two abilities are a shield for students in facing the rapid and often misleading flow of information.

Previous studies, such as those conducted by Yunianto, T. d. in 2022 and Bono Setyo, W. A. ​​in 2020, have highlighted the importance of digital literacy skills in countering cases of intolerance. These studies correlate the existence of social media and its challenges in the digital space with efforts to counteract intolerance through digital literacy. This article has similarities with previous studies, namely both highlighting the importance of digital literacy in facing the challenges of intolerance in the digital era.

However, this article has significant differences from previous studies. This simple article seeks to explore more deeply how efforts to counteract the issue of intolerance among Islamic boarding school students can be combined with literacy solutions derived from the Qur'an. The Qur'an, as the holy book of Muslims, contains values ​​of tolerance, peace, and wisdom that can be a guideline for students in facing the challenges of intolerance in the digital era.

The issue of intolerance is a major problem in the digital realm that threatens national harmony and unity. Students as the younger generation who have a deep understanding of religion have great potential to become agents of change in fighting intolerance. However, to realize this potential, they need to be equipped with adequate literacy skills, both digital literacy and Al-Qur'an-based literacy.

This article recommends several literacy activities that can be carried out to improve students' literacy skills, including: 1). Digital literacy education and training: This activity aims to improve students' understanding and skills in using digital media wisely and responsibly; 2). Al-Qur'an discussion and study: This activity aims to explore the values ​​of tolerance and peace contained in the Al-Qur'an, and explore how these values ​​can be implemented in everyday life; 3). Literacy campaign: This activity aims to increase public awareness of the importance of literacy in countering intolerance, as well as inviting the public to use social media positively and responsibly.

By equipping students with adequate literacy skills, it is hoped that they can become effective agents of change in fighting intolerance in the digital realm. In addition, it is also hoped that this article can make a significant contribution to efforts to build a more tolerant and harmonious society.

Author: Hilya Maylaffayza

Image Source: BSKDN Kemendagri