Digital Responsibility of Public Administration Students: Challenges and Coping Strategies

Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital technologies in public service highlights the growing need for future public administrators to demonstrate strong digital literacy and ethical online behavior. This study examines how Bachelor of Public Administration students at North Eastern Mindanao State University–Tandag Campus manage online risks, evaluate the credibility of digital information, and practice responsible and ethical conduct on various platforms. Using a qualitative single-case study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten students across different year levels. A thematic analysis of the data identified four primary challenges faced by the students. These challenges included their inability to address online threats, difficulty assessing the reliability of information, overreliance on social media for academic and governance-related content, and limited awareness of digital citation practices. Students sought to counter these by familiarizing themselves with cyber laws, implementing basic security measures, reporting offensive content, and seeking assistance from peers and instructors. Unfortunately, these methods were neither always nor only self-initiated and self-directed. To avoid these problems, the Public Administration curriculum should include well-designed units on digital literacy, security awareness, and ethical digital behavior. By strengthening institutional support, we ensure that the next generation of public servants possesses the necessary skills for effective and ethical engagement in digital governance.