Penggunaan Media Sosial terhadap Kualitas Komunikasi Antarpribadi Generasi Z: Mahasiswa Universitas Media Nusantara Citra (MNC University)

Abstract

This study examines the analysis of social media usage on the quality of interpersonal communication of Generation Z among MNC University students. With a descriptive qualitative approach through written interviews with 20 respondents, the results of the study show that platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp dominate students' daily activities with a usage duration of 2–10 hours per day. Social media acts as the main tool for entertainment, long-distance communication, and information seeking. On the one hand, social media facilitates cross-distance interaction and expands social networks. On the other hand, excessive dependence on digital communication has an impact on the decline in the ability to understand emotions, the risk of miscommunication, and reduced emotional closeness due to minimal face-to-face interaction. Key findings reveal that although social media increases communication efficiency, respondents' preferences still lead to direct interaction to build trust, empathy, and effective conflict resolution. This study recommends increasing digital literacy to optimize the benefits of social media while minimizing its negative impacts on interpersonal relationships.