21st Century Digital Media Information: In The Lens of Gen Z (Pahayagang Midyang Digital Sa Ika-21 Siglo: Sa Lente Ng Gen Z)

The study aims to reveal the lens of Gen Zs on the use of digital media in the 21st century. The questions pertain to their experiences, problems and attitudes to the use of digital media in gathering information in the 21st century. It used a qualitative design in the phenomenological method of investigation. Participants were Gen Z students in Tagum city, Davao del Norte. Topics affecting academic learning, ease of obtaining and providing information, spreading misinformation, environmental awareness, and promoting Cyberbullying emerged from experiential learning. In dealing with the problems, the themes emerged of asking for guidance from the older and more knowledgeable, finding reliable sources online, using printed materials, questioning fellow Gen Z and applying digital media knowledge. In the attitude appeared the awakening of the new normal, pleasure in the quick gathering, fear of the wrong gathered, addiction, lack of appetite for deep learning and fear destroy identity and personality. This study has made a significant contribution to teachers and Generation Z to be aware of dealing with problems and to be careful in the use of digital media.