Understanding Food Literacy Through Google Fit Application : A Case Study in Reframing Positive Communication

Concept: Journal of Social Humanities and Education Volume 3 Nomor 4,Tahun 2024 e-ISSN: 2963-5527; p-ISSN: 2963-5071, Hal 169-181 DOI: https://doi.org/10.55606/concept.v3i4.1612 Available Online at: https://journal-stiayappimakassar.ac.id/index.php/Concept Understanding Food Literacy Through Google Fit Application : A Case Study in Reframing Positive Communication Alfira Isya Nabila1, Thereza Angie Griffin2, Rita Hartati3 1-3 State University of Medan, Indonesia Email : , Address: Jl. W. Iskandar Psr V Medan Esatate Kab. Deli Serdang Author's correspondence : Abstract. In the digital era, food literacy—an essential competency for making informed dietary choices—has gained significance in enhancing not only individual health but also communication skills. This study investigates the role of the Google Fit application in improving food literacy and its subsequent impact on positive communication among university students. Utilizing a qualitative case study approach, we explored how the use of Google Fit influenced the understanding of food literacy and fostered supportive, constructive interactions among 20 English Literature students at UNIMED. Findings reveal that Google Fit’s features, such as calorie tracking and activity monitoring, significantly enhance students' awareness of nutrition and healthy eating behaviors. Furthermore, improved food literacy encouraged participants to engage in data-driven, empathetic dialogues, thus fostering positive communication. The results highlight the potential of mobile applications to serve as effective educational tools, not only for promoting health literacy but also for cultivating essential interpersonal skills. These findings underscore the importance of integrating digital tools into academic practices to bridge the gap between personal health education and broader social competencies. Keywords: Food, Literacy, Positive, Communication, Mobile. 1. BACKGROUND In the digital era, food literacy plays a vital role in shaping not only our food choices but also how we communicate. The use of mobile applications to enhance food literacy has been increasingly integrated into educational settings, particularly for university students. These digital platforms provide a convenient and effective way for students to acquire knowledge about healthy and sustainable eating habits, helping them navigate their dietary choices with a more informed perspective. However, there is limited research on how food literacy, specifically through mobile applications, can influence students' communication skills, particularly in fostering positive interactions. Existing studies highlight the importance of digital literacy as a broader skill that enables individuals to engage more effectively in the modern food environment. For instance, research has shown that digital tools, such as apps for food sharing and sustainable food systems, can empower users to participate more actively in community-driven food initiatives (Samoggia et al., 2021; Mackenzie & Davies, 2019). These platforms help individuals to share knowledge, collaborate, and contribute to conversations about food choices, which can, in turn, enhance communication skills by encouraging respectful and informed discussions. (Smith et al.,2020;Jones et al., 2022) Received: November 03, 2024; Revised: November 17, 2024; Accepted: Desember 01, 2024; Published: Desember 03, 2024 Understanding Food Literacy Through Google Fit Application : A Case Study in Reframing Positive Communication While research extensively explores the role of the digital tools in fostering food literacy their influence on communication skills remains underexplored. Digital literacy an essential competence in using technology effectively plays a criticcal roe in enabling individuals to engage with modern food environments (Greenhow & Lewin,2016). For instance, digital tools such as food sharing and platforms for sustainable food systems empowers user to participate actively in community driven initiatives (Mackenzie & Davies, 2019). Such platforms encourage users to share knowledge, colloborate,and engage in meaningful discussions about food choices,fostering respectful and informed interaction (Brown & Wilson, 2020). These engagements not only enhance food literacy but also contribute to the development of communication skills,such as the baility to express opinions empathetically and respectfullly. Furthermore, a study conducted in Chile explored how digital literacy interventions in the food sector helped strengthen communication and networking among smallholder farmers and consumers. This highlights the potential of digital tools to bridge communication gaps, particularly in the context of food literacy. It suggests that understanding food literacy can improve an individual's ability to engage in constructive dialogue and share opinions confidently (Samoggia et al., 2021). While these studies primarily focus on food systems and sustainability, they imply that a strong foundation in food literacy can contribute to more effective, empathetic, and positive communication in general settings. In the case of English Literature students at UNIMED, enhancing food literacy through mobile apps could not only improve their ability to make informed food choices but also foster communication skills that are essential in both academic and social contexts. By promoting awareness of food sustainability and health, students may become more confident in discussing a range of topics, from personal health to global issues, while also developing the ability to listen and understand diverse perspectives. Thus, this study seeks to explore the relationship between food literacy through mobile apps and the development of positive communication skills, providing insights into how digital food education can extend beyond dietary choices to influence broader interpersonal skills. 170 CONCEPT - VOLUME 3 NOMOR 4, TAHUN 2024 e-ISSN: 2963-5527; p-ISSN: 2963-5071, Hal 169-181 2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE Food literacy refers to an individual's ability to make informed and healthy food choices, integrating practical skills, knowledge, and attitudes essential for navigating daily food-related decisions. Vidgen and Gallegos (2014) define food literacy as a framework encompassing four domains: planning and managing, selecting, preparing, and eating. These domains collectively influence food behavior, aiming to empower individuals to adopt healthier eating patterns. Their framework highlights the practical and cognitive skills required to access, prepare, and consume nutritious food, considering cultural, social, and economic factors. Vidgen and Gallegos's definition has become a cornerstone in food literacy research and public health interventions. For example, Begley and Vidgen (2016) expanded on this by emphasizing the role of food literacy in addressing dietary imbalances and reducing health disparities. They argued that enhancing food literacy eq (...truncated)