Psychology Faculty at UIN Jakarta Discusses Critical Thinking in the Digital Age at Studium Generale

Jakarta, UIN Online News - The Faculty of Psychology at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta held a Studium Generale with the theme "Critical Thinking" on Wednesday (16/4/2025). The event took place at the Zakiah Daradjat Theater on the first floor of the Faculty of Psychology and was attended by psychology lecturers and students.

The Head of UIN Jakarta's Undergraduate Psychology Program, Mohamad Avicenna, M.H.Sc., Psi., Ph.D., attended and delivered his remarks at the opening of the public lecture. He encouraged students to develop critical thinking skills, especially in this digital era full of information. He also highlighted how critical thinking skills tend to weaken due to easy access to information and the development of artificial intelligence (AI). "Our critical thinking is disrupted by artificial intelligence that can make us dependent on technology without sharp thinking processes," he said.

Meanwhile, Bahrul Hayat, Ph.D., as the resource person in the public lecture, also provided insights regarding critical thinking processes. He emphasized that the world is moving in a direction heavily influenced by technological advancements, especially artificial intelligence (AI), which has become an inseparable part of daily life.

According to him, we are now in an era where information is abundant and spreads rapidly due to technological progress. "We live in an era of abundant information, which requires critical thinking to wisely filter information," he said.

In his presentation, the former Secretary General of the Ministry of Religious Affairs explained that critical thinking is not just about logical ability, but also includes attitudes and ways of wisely responding to information. "Critical thinkers have the character to analyze, actively ask questions, and view situations from various perspectives," said Bahrul Hayat.

There are six stages in developing critical thinking skills, including: unreflective thinkers, thinkers who begin to realize the limitations of their thinking, beginning thinkers, practicing thinkers, advanced thinkers, and accomplished thinkers as the highest stage. Each stage shows a person's level of awareness and skill in evaluating and improving their thinking.

To develop critical thinking skills, there are several strategies that can be applied, including asking sociological questions, doing reflection exercises, exploring alternative thoughts, and using the CRAAP test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose) to assess the reliability and credibility of information.

Furthermore, Bahrul Hayat also shared several practical tips for training critical thinking skills in academic contexts and daily life. First, he encouraged students to actively ask questions. Second, to conduct reviews of scientific articles. Next, to compare relevant theories, approaches, models, and techniques, as well as to practice writing reflective journals as a form of deep thinking exercise.

He also emphasized the importance of active involvement in discussions or pro-contra debates about a topic, as well as the ability to analyze problems from various perspectives. According to him, these habits will help strengthen critical thinking, broaden insights, and form sharper thought patterns.

According to him, these steps can help form more critical, in-depth, and objective ways of thinking.

The Studium Generale event concluded with an interactive Q&A session between the speaker and participants. Students appeared enthusiastic to explore more about how to hone critical thinking amidst continuously developing technology.

For the complete version, visit YouTube.

(Sabila Weliza/Zaenal M./Noeni Indah S./Photo: Faculty of Psychology UIN Jakarta's YouTube)