<![CDATA[The rapid development of digital technology has significantly transformed the landscape of higher education, including the learning process in universities. However, there remains a gap between students' ability to utilize technology productively and the demands of the digital era, which emphasize information literacy and critical thinking skills. This study aims to analyze the role of digital literacy in shaping students' critical thinking competence in the Indonesian Language Education Study Program during the era of digital transformation. The research employed a descriptive qualitative approach, with participants comprising sixth-semester students and two lecturers teaching technology-based courses at a public university in Indonesia. Data collection instruments included in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation of digital learning activities. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, which involved data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that digital literacy plays a crucial role in fostering students' critical thinking skills, particularly through activities involving information analysis, digital collaboration, and evaluation of online sources. Students with higher levels of digital literacy demonstrate stronger abilities to assess the credibility of information, construct logical arguments, and produce academic writing based on digital data. Furthermore, lecturers serve as facilitators who encourage reflective and ethical use of digital literacy within the learning process. This study contributes to strengthening the 21st-century learning paradigm in higher education, particularly in integrating digital literacy with the development of critical thinking. It is recommended that educational institutions provide ongoing digital literacy training for both lecturers and students to build an adaptive learning ecosystem aligned with technological advancement]]>
