Mochammad Afzal Iftikharus Sadat Ramadhan

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The Impact of Social Media Addiction on Social Interaction and Quality of Life of Today's Generation

Edukasi | Monday, 13 Nov 2023, 07:38 WIB

Generation Z is the generation born between 1996 and 2012, Generation Z is a transition from the millennial generation that began to experience technological development. Generation Z is almost the same age as the millennial generation, but they excel in terms of technology and information. Often referred to as Gen Z or the i-generation, they are always up to date with issues spread across mass media and the internet. Gen Z's lives are closely tied to the internet, especially social media, as they grew up in an era of rapid technology. They are known as a generation that is proficient in operating the internet, especially social media. The use of social media in their lives can also have an impact on their future.

Current developments in the generation Z era have brought significant changes and advancements, especially in the technology, information and communication sectors. These advancements are reflected in a variety of connective applications, particularly social media, which allow individuals to connect and interact with others without geographical barriers. Social media, as an online platform, facilitates interaction, content sharing and virtual connectivity among users. The interactive and feedback nature of social media allows users to engage in dialog and information exchange. However, the dominance of social media in the lives of generation Z has raised concerns about potential addiction, which may affect their social interactions and quality of life. It has become increasingly important to analyze the impact of social media addiction on generation Z, to identify the negative impacts that should be avoided and the positive impacts that need to be implemented in the use of social media in daily life.

Through a quantitative approach, a study conducted an analysis by conducting an interview survey of 20 Generation Z individuals who actively use social media. The survey aimed to collect data on the frequency of social media use, its impact on social interactions, and their life satisfaction. The results of the data analysis showed that social media addiction has a negative impact on social interaction ability among Generation Z, hindering their ability to interact in person. In addition, social media addiction also negatively affects their quality of life, with lower levels of life satisfaction and frequent feelings of loneliness. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness of the risks of social media addiction among Generation Z and engage parents, educators and stakeholders in providing appropriate education. In addition, concrete measures, such as increasing outdoor activities and promoting in-person social interactions, need to be taken to mitigate the negative impact of social media addiction. Encouraging the development of Generation Z's social skills and self-awareness and engaging social media companies in reducing addiction are also important steps.

Raising awareness about the risks of social media addiction, strengthening social skills, promoting outdoor activities, and encouraging responsible social media use are important steps in preventing the adverse effects of social media addiction in Generation Z. Comprehensive education, timing of use, building an environment that supports social interaction, and positive role modeling are key aspects in this endeavor. In addition, the importance of building Generation Z's social skills should not be overlooked. With the implementation of these measures, it is hoped that generation Z can reduce their addiction to social media and avoid its negative impact on their social interactions and quality of life. Collaboration from various parties, including parents, educators, and related parties, will be key in creating a supportive environment for healthy social media use for generation Z.

The conclusion of this essay is that Generation Z, growing up in the era of technology and social media, has great potential to experience the negative impacts of social media addiction. These include limitations in direct social interactions and reduced quality of life. Therefore, measures to raise awareness, regulate usage time, promote outdoor activities, and develop social skills are essential. Collaboration from various parties, including parents, educators, and social media companies, will be key in creating an environment that supports healthy social media use for Generation Z. With these joint efforts, it is hoped that Generation Z can harness the positive potential of social media and avoid its negative impacts, so that they can lead more balanced and fulfilling lives.