Digital Literacy and Reading Comprehension Among 12th Graders in Palembang

Abstract

This study investigates the correlation between digital literacy and reading comprehension among 12th-grade students in Palembang. In the context of increasing digital integration in education, understanding how students' digital competencies correlate with their reading performance is essential. This research aimed to determine whether digital literacy performance significantly correlates with reading comprehension achievement. Employing a quantitative correlational design, the study involved 126 students from three senior high schools in Palembang, selected through random sampling. Data were collected using two instruments: a digital literacy questionnaire adapted from Avinç & Doğan (2024) and a reading comprehension test based on the national curriculum. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between digital literacy and reading comprehension scores. Moreover, regression analysis indicated that digital literacy contributes meaningfully to students’ reading achievement. These findings suggest that students with higher digital competencies are better equipped to process and comprehend texts, particularly in digital formats. The study highlights the importance of integrating digital literacy into language learning curricula to support reading development. Educators are encouraged to enhance students’ digital skills alongside traditional reading instruction to improve overall literacy outcomes in the digital era.