Analysis of TikTok Utilization as a Reference Source for Students of UIN North Sumatra Library Science Study Program

Abstract

In the context of the digital era, social media integration has become an integral aspect of daily routines, especially among university students, as part of their social and academic lives. This study investigates the utilization of TikTok as a reference source for Library Science students at UIN North Sumatra. The phenomenon of social media, especially TikTok, has taken center stage in daily life, especially among university students. However, in addition to its benefits, social media also brings negative impacts, including the risk of addiction and the spread of false information. Although TikTok offers educational content, the findings in this study show that not all students use it as a reference source. Some students may prefer other platforms or traditional methods to find academic references, such as books and scientific journals. This suggests that although TikTok has potential as a reference source, its use has not been fully adopted by the entire population of Library Science students. This research uses a qualitative approach by applying Miles and Huberman's theory as the basis for analysis in the process of collecting, reducing, presenting data, and drawing conclusions.