JAWARA Application: Does Digital Guide Feel Like Analog Communication Based Guide?

Abstract

This study examined the differences between analog communication models played by human tour guides versus digital communications aided by digital guides called JAWARA applications in the guidance of the botanical garden. This study examined whether digital guide feels like a guide that communicating analogously, and observed the changes in the way they are guiding and whether it also impacts the cultural change from analog to digital. The theoretical framework used is interpersonal communication theory versus complexity theory based on communication models in digital media. Furthermore, this study is conducted from the cultural context and digital culture by descriptive qualitative research method. The primary data source is the interview with JAWARA admin and application developer. Results showed that the guidance communication model in the botanical garden underwent significant changes with the presence of JAWARA digital guide applications. These changes occur due to the analog and digital guidance communication models have different characteristics. However, the presence of digital guides has not been able to replace the analog guide completely because digital guides have not felt like analog (human) guides. However, the presence of digital guide applications brings changes to the cultural context, which was previously analogous as a whole, will gradually be displaced by the presence of digital culture and then mixed.