<![CDATA[Information technology has changed how young people understand and practice the value of national defense. This article examines the changing forms of national defense in the digital era, the condition of Generation Z digital literacy in filtering information, and the contribution of digital literacy to strengthening patriotism. The study uses a qualitative library research approach based on 24 sources, consisting of national journal articles published since 2021 and one international policy document. The sources were searched through Google Scholar, Garuda, and SINTA-indexed journals and selected according to thematic relevance, publication recency, and source quality. The findings show that national defense is no longer expressed only through physical and ceremonial activities, but also through responsible behavior in digital spaces. Relevant actions include checking information, countering hoaxes, communicating ethically, respecting differences, and producing content that introduces Indonesian culture. Generation Z digital literacy remains uneven. The ability to operate devices and social media is not always accompanied by the ability to evaluate sources, understand context, and exercise restraint before sharing information. The review also indicates that adequate digital literacy helps young people resist provocation, understand the importance of social unity, and express nationalism through digital media. Digital literacy can therefore be regarded as an important foundation for transforming national defense and strengthening patriotism. The practical implication is the need to integrate digital literacy with civic education, community-based national programs, and evaluation processes that involve Generation Z as active participants.]]>
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