Username and profile name forgery

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 143 views

The Influence of Online Identity Forgery on Vigilance in the Use of Instagram Social Media Students of the University of North Sumatra

Introduction

In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives, with millions of people using platforms like Instagram to connect with others, share their experiences, and stay updated on current events. However, with the increasing popularity of social media, a new phenomenon has emerged - online identity forgery. This refers to the act of creating fake online identities, which can be used to deceive and manipulate others. In this context, students of the University of North Sumatra, who are active users of social media, need to be aware of the potential threats that exist and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.

The Problem of Online Identity Forgery

Online identity forgery is a widespread problem that affects not only individuals but also the digital community as a whole. Fake accounts can be used to spread false information, manipulate public opinion, and even commit cybercrimes. In the context of social media, online identity forgery can take many forms, including:

Username and profile name forgery: Fake accounts can be created using usernames and profile names that are similar to those of real individuals or organizations.
Biography and profile photo forgery: Fake accounts can be created with biographies and profile photos that are designed to deceive and manipulate others.
Digital technology: Fake accounts can be created using digital technology, such as AI-generated images and videos.

The Importance of Vigilance

In order to protect themselves from the risks associated with online identity forgery, students of the University of North Sumatra need to be vigilant when using social media. This includes:

Being aware of suspicious information: Students need to be aware of suspicious information that may be spread through fake accounts.
Recognizing fake accounts: Students need to be able to recognize fake accounts and avoid interacting with them.
Understanding privacy rights: Students need to understand their privacy rights in cyberspace and take necessary precautions to protect their personal information.

The Study

This study aims to analyze and determine the influence and understanding of students of the University of North Sumatra regarding online identity forgery of vigilance in using Instagram social media. The study used a quantitative approach, involving 100 respondents chosen through proportional stratified random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. The method used in this study is correlation, which aims to find a relationship between the forgery of identity and the level of vigilance of Instagram users.

Theories Used

The theories used in this study include:

Theory of computer communication: This theory explains how computer communication can be used to facilitate online identity forgery.
Identity theory: This theory explains how identity is constructed and maintained in online environments.
Self-vigilance: This theory explains how individuals can maintain their own vigilance in online environments.
Situational awareness: This theory explains how individuals can be aware of their surroundings in online environments.

Methodology

The study used a single table analysis technique, cross table analysis, and hypothesis testing through the Spearman's RHO Rank-Order Correlations formula with the SPSS 27.0 application. The results of the study showed that the alternative hypothesis (Ha) was accepted, which means there was an influence of online identity forgery on vigilance in the use of Instagram social media for students of the University of North Sumatra.

Results

The results of the study showed that the alternative hypothesis (Ha) was accepted, which means there was an influence of online identity forgery on vigilance in the use of Instagram social media for students of the University of North Sumatra. Hypothesis test results show the number 0.580 on the Guilford scale, which is in the range of 0.41 - 0.70, indicating a significant correlation. This shows that identity forgery has an effect of 33% on student alertness when using Instagram.

Conclusion

In conclusion, online identity forgery is a widespread problem that affects not only individuals but also the digital community as a whole. Students of the University of North Sumatra need to be aware of the potential threats that exist and take necessary precautions to protect themselves. This includes being aware of suspicious information, recognizing fake accounts, and understanding privacy rights in cyberspace. Education about online security, how to recognize suspicious information, as well as understanding of privacy rights in cyberspace needs to be improved so that students can use social media safely and comfortably. This vigilance not only protects individuals, but also maintains the integrity of the digital community as a whole.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Education and awareness: Education about online security, how to recognize suspicious information, as well as understanding of privacy rights in cyberspace needs to be improved so that students can use social media safely and comfortably.
Vigilance: Students need to be vigilant when using social media, including being aware of suspicious information, recognizing fake accounts, and understanding privacy rights in cyberspace.
Digital literacy: Students need to have digital literacy skills to navigate online environments safely and effectively.
Online security: Students need to take necessary precautions to protect their personal information online, including using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Sample size: The sample size of this study was limited to 100 respondents, which may not be representative of the larger population of students of the University of North Sumatra.
Methodology: The study used a quantitative approach, which may not capture the full complexity of the issue of online identity forgery.
Generalizability: The findings of this study may not be generalizable to other populations or contexts.

Future Research

Future research should aim to:

Explore the issue of online identity forgery in more depth: Future research should aim to explore the issue of online identity forgery in more depth, including the motivations behind it and the impact it has on individuals and society.
Develop effective strategies for preventing online identity forgery: Future research should aim to develop effective strategies for preventing online identity forgery, including education and awareness campaigns, digital literacy programs, and online security measures.
Investigate the impact of online identity forgery on mental health: Future research should aim to investigate the impact of online identity forgery on mental health, including the potential for anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Q&A: The Influence of Online Identity Forgery on Vigilance in the Use of Instagram Social Media Students of the University of North Sumatra

Q: What is online identity forgery?

A: Online identity forgery refers to the act of creating fake online identities, which can be used to deceive and manipulate others. This can include creating fake accounts, profiles, and biographies that are designed to look like those of real individuals or organizations.

Q: Why is online identity forgery a problem?

A: Online identity forgery is a problem because it can be used to spread false information, manipulate public opinion, and even commit cybercrimes. Fake accounts can be used to deceive and manipulate others, which can have serious consequences for individuals and society.

Q: What is the impact of online identity forgery on students of the University of North Sumatra?

A: The study found that online identity forgery has an effect of 33% on student alertness when using Instagram. This means that students who are exposed to online identity forgery are more likely to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.

Q: What can students do to protect themselves from online identity forgery?

A: Students can take several steps to protect themselves from online identity forgery, including:

Being aware of suspicious information: Students need to be aware of suspicious information that may be spread through fake accounts.
Recognizing fake accounts: Students need to be able to recognize fake accounts and avoid interacting with them.
Understanding privacy rights: Students need to understand their privacy rights in cyberspace and take necessary precautions to protect their personal information.

Q: What is the role of education in preventing online identity forgery?

A: Education plays a critical role in preventing online identity forgery. Students need to be educated about online security, how to recognize suspicious information, and their privacy rights in cyberspace. This education should be provided through a combination of classroom instruction, online resources, and real-world experiences.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including:

Sample size: The sample size of this study was limited to 100 respondents, which may not be representative of the larger population of students of the University of North Sumatra.
Methodology: The study used a quantitative approach, which may not capture the full complexity of the issue of online identity forgery.
Generalizability: The findings of this study may not be generalizable to other populations or contexts.

Q: What are the implications of this study for future research?

A: The findings of this study have several implications for future research, including:

Exploring the issue of online identity forgery in more depth: Future research should aim to explore the issue of online identity forgery in more depth, including the motivations behind it and the impact it has on individuals and society.
Developing effective strategies for preventing online identity forgery: Future research should aim to develop effective strategies for preventing online identity forgery, including education and awareness campaigns, digital literacy programs, and online security measures.
Investigating the impact of online identity forgery on mental health: Future research should aim to investigate the impact of online identity forgery on mental health, including the potential for anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.