Utilization of the X account @sbmptnfess in fulfilling information needs regarding higher education entrance selection among prospective students in Samarinda

This research aims to analyze the utilization of the X account @sbmptnfess in meeting the information needs regarding higher education entrance selection among prospective new students in Samarinda. Based on the digital development of the Uses and Gratifications 2.0 theory, this research focuses on user motives, the fulfillment of information needs through Guha’s approach, and the utilization of digital media characteristics via the MAIN model (Modality, Agency, Interactivity, and Navigability). A descriptive qualitative approach with a constructivist paradigm was employed. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with seven informants selected via purposive sampling, alongside passive participant observation of the account's activities during the 2026 university selection period. Data analysis followed the Miles and Huberman model, encompassing data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results indicate that the utilization of @sbmptnfess is dominated by cognitive (informative) motives, specifically seeking exam exercises, passing grades, and strategies. Additionally, the account satisfies affective (emotional) needs by reducing anxiety and conative (practical) needs. Based on Guha's concept, the account successfully fulfills current, everyday, exhaustive, and catching-up information needs. Furthermore, the analysis of the MAIN model shows that the autobase features facilitate user experience through diverse presentation formats (modality), active participation as information providers (agency), responsive peer discussions (interactivity), and ease of information tracking (navigability). In conclusion, prospective students act as active media users who optimize autobase technology to obtain fast, relevant, and supportive educational information during selection preparation.