Attracting public attention in the digital era seems to present a unique atmosphere of challenges. Mastery of technology is not only a key factor but also the ability to present a captivating story. Storytelling or narrating a message or issue requires coherence. This means that the presentation and delivery of the message should be organized to establish habituation, helping the audience develop a structured mindset in understanding the flow and meaning contained in the information or message. This coherence determines the effectiveness of message dissemination, where a message is easily understood or not. Liliweri (2011) explains that effective message delivery to the audience is related to their reception based on knowledge, attitude, and behavior. These aspects reflect the message’s effectiveness in building participation and collaboration, as the audience perceives the message as meaningful.

The presentation of a story to convey a message or information to an audience is known as storytelling. Storytelling is an ancient art of sharing information with people. The storyteller combines verbal and non-verbal communication, such as voice, facial expressions, body movements, and eye contact, to persuade the audience and create a two-way interaction (Choo et al., 2020). Storytelling is a tool used for effective communication in delivering messages, inspiring, and influencing public opinion (Farid, 2023). The use of this method in communication has been around since the development of conventional or mass media (electronic and print) to the transformation of digital media. Storytelling is flexible because it can be adapted to communication goals and is used for news, advertising, education, training, social media campaigns, podcast discussions, and so on. The variety of storytelling uses, adapted to technological developments, has given rise to the term digital storytelling. In practice, digital storytelling is not much different, only that the story is presented through digital media.

Digital storytelling combines images, music, and narration to create a meaningful multimedia story. It describes using digital technology to convey personal stories or messages through a combination of music, images, and voice narration. This approach enables individuals to voice their experiences, perspectives, or aspirations with a focus on visual and emotional impact (Wiebe, 2019). Digital storytelling is more formal, involving detailed writing and design processes before publication. What’s interesting about this type of storytelling is that it can be saved as a product, like content that can be accessed on media anytime, anywhere. Digital storytelling generally has a broader audience reach.

Choo et al. (2020) highlight differences between storytelling and digital storytelling: (1) traditional storytelling relies solely on verbal skills, while digital storytelling employs visual and audio elements mediated by technology; (2) storytelling is flexible and can change with context, while digital storytelling is a fixed product that can be accessed repeatedly; (3) audience engagement in conventional storytelling involves imagination, while digital storytelling is aided by visuals and sound, making it more persuasive and engaging. Therefore, digital storytelling seems superior due to technology, fixed products, repeat access, visuals, and sound. It’s known that in the technological era, audiences have a strong tendency to prioritize visuals and sound in digital media content.

In general, digital storytelling is widely used as a communication tool, a means of education, creativity, and social advocacy. Pandian et al. (2020) conclude that digital storytelling is a tool for developing digital literacy skills, creativity, problem-solving, promoting citizenship, understanding ethics, digital security, and empowering youth to engage critically in digital environments. Thus, through digital storytelling, considered an essential tool, young people are equipped with the skills and understanding needed to become critical, creative, and responsible members of society.

Therefore, this method not only serves as an educational and personal development tool but also as an effective means for young people to contribute to social change as agents of change on both individual and community or group levels. As a tool to encourage young people to be agents of social change, youth can use digital storytelling to express themselves, highlight social issues, address social challenges, and contribute to their communities. This is expected to stimulate deep reflection, build connections with audiences, and inspire social change by spreading information or messages on community issues or social justice (Wiebe, 2019).

To engage youth, a participatory approach is needed by inviting students to tell stories. The role of digital storytellers helps young people build communication skills, leadership, and confidence to express views on social issues such as youth challenges (social inequality, isolation, and difficulties fitting in at school). Wiebe (2019) explains that through digital storytelling, young people can appreciate differences, feel a sense of emotional connection, and bond within a social community. This gives young women a platform to voice experiences of discrimination, providing a sense of belonging and shared stories. Thus, digital storytelling is seen as an effective tool for education, community building, and advocacy, especially for young people facing and responding to social issues relevant to their lives.

One social issue currently drawing the attention of various groups, such as the government, the general public, and NGOs, is environmental change. Mulki & Ormsby (2022) describe current environmental changes reflected in issues such as environmental degradation, climate change, pollution, environmental degradation, increased extreme temperatures, storms, floods, and biodiversity loss. These environmental changes will impact future generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, who will experience the long-term effects. As those who will be affected, the critical attitude of these generations is proof of their serious intent to take part in addressing environmental change.

The critical attitude of young people in the digital era is easier to implement. Podcasts can be used as a medium for online environmental education. Podcasts can be an effective educational tool, allowing asynchronous access to information, ease of use, and a broader audience reach. Young people can use podcasts as a critical step in spreading information about environmental changes. They can create narratives such as “young generations will inherit a damaged Earth,” “humans face the threat of mass extinction due to climate crisis and ecosystem damage,” “youth play an important role in maintaining environmental cleanliness,” and “campaigns for climate justice.”

Positive narratives include “building a good relationship with nature by not littering,” “stories of community collaboration and solidarity successfully mitigating environmental damage,” “inviting social and ecological justice learning through diverse community experiences,” “stories using art and creativity for solutions, such as innovations in water conservation and management,” and “hope for a more sustainable future.” These aim to ensure that other young people are at least aware of environmental change. The goal of raising youth awareness is for this group to establish concrete actions they consider appropriate. The role of podcasts is evident in the benefits young people provide in presenting information, such as environmental and social issue education, youth motivation, access to diverse knowledge, community building, connection, and strengthening environmental literacy holistically (Mulki & Ormsby, 2022).

The impact of podcast usage includes increased accessibility and flexibility for environmental education among young people. They can learn about environmental issues while engaging in other activities, such as exercising or traveling. This can also address access limitations to environmental activities that may be challenging for urban youth due to limited access to open nature. The credibility of information from podcasts is promising, as there’s the freedom to choose competent, relevant experts as sources (Strickland et al., 2021). On the other hand, this media provides an opportunity for young people to directly apply environmentally friendly behaviors. Youth who do this are considered to have awareness and knowledge about current environmental conditions. It’s known that movements to address environmental degradation are better pursued at the individual level, as a strong principle to protect the environment is already established.

-Rosmalia Ahmad & Diana Anggraeni

References

Choo, Y. B., Abdullah, T., & Nawi, A. M. (2020). Digital Storytelling vs. Oral Storytelling: An Analysis of the Art of Telling Stories Now and Then. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(5), 46–50. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.081907

Farid, A. S. (2023). Menguasai Seni Komunikasi Publik. K-Media.

Liliweri, A. (2011). Komunikasi Serba Ada Serba Makna. Kencana Prenadamedia Group.

Mulki, S., & Ormsby, A. A. (2022). Breaking Green Ceilings: podcasting for environmental and social change. Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, 12(1), 18–27. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13412-021-00723-z

Pandian, A., Baboo, S. B., & Yi, L. J. (2020). Digital Storytelling: Engaging Young People to Communicate for Digital Media Literacy. Jurnal Komunikasi: Malaysian Journal of Communication, 36(1), 187–204. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.17576/JKMJC-2020-3601-11

Strickland, B. K., Brooke, J. M., Zischke, M. T., & Lashley, M. A. (2021). Podcasting As a Tool to Take Conservation Education Online. Ecology and Evolution, 11(8), 3597–3606. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7353

Wiebe, S. M. (2019). “Just” Stories or “Just Stories”? Mixed Media Storytelling as a Prism for Environmental Justice and Decolonial Futures. Spring, 5(2). https://doi.org/https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/da30/33ea605f488dc4db4bfe287c0081ef949524.pdf