Arianda Sihombing

Social Media and Aqidah Understanding among Generation Z: A Study of Ushuluddin Students at UIN North Sumatra

Introduction

social media and aqidah understanding among generation z: a study of ushuluddin students at uin north sumatra. Examines social media's influence on Aqidah understanding in Gen Z Ushuluddin students. Platforms like TikTok & YouTube enhance comprehension, but critical filtering of extreme narratives is essential.

Abstract

The background of this research is based on the fact that social media often serves as a space for the dissemination of extreme religious narratives, which has the potential to create misunderstandings of aqidah among Generation Z. The main research question is how social media and aqidah are understood from the perspective of students in the formation of aqidah comprehension. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method involving 2021 cohort students of the Faculty of Ushuluddin and Islamic Studies at UIN North Sumatra who actively use social media. The findings indicate that platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram have become effective tools to enhance the understanding of aqidah, connect religious concepts with contemporary issues, and inspire the application of spiritual values in daily life through content delivered by religious figures such as Ustadz Adi Hidayat, Prof. Syahrin Harahap, Ustadz Hanan Attaki, and Ustadz Felix Siau. Nevertheless, a critical attitude is required in filtering information due to the potential presence of distorted content, oversimplification, and provocative narratives.

Review

This study addresses a highly pertinent and contemporary issue: the influence of social media on the *aqidah* understanding of Generation Z, specifically focusing on students within a theological faculty. Given the pervasive nature of digital platforms and the increasing concern over online religious narratives, the research question exploring how social media shapes *aqidah* comprehension is both timely and significant. The use of a descriptive qualitative method, applied to a targeted cohort of Ushuluddin students at UIN North Sumatra, provides a valuable contextual lens through which to examine this complex interaction, particularly within an Islamic academic environment. The findings offer compelling insights into the dual role of social media in *aqidah* formation. On one hand, the study demonstrates how platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are effectively leveraged to enhance *aqidah* understanding, bridge religious concepts with contemporary concerns, and foster the practical application of spiritual values, citing influential figures such as Ustadz Adi Hidayat and Ustadz Hanan Attaki as key disseminators. This highlights the potential of digital spaces for positive religious education. However, the research critically underscores the imperative for a discerning approach, cautioning against the prevalent risks of distorted content, oversimplification of complex theological issues, and the dissemination of provocative narratives that can undermine genuine understanding. This balanced perspective is a strength, acknowledging both the utility and the inherent challenges of online religious discourse. While the study effectively describes the landscape of social media's influence on *aqidah* understanding, there is scope for deeper analytical exploration. A more detailed examination of the specific mechanisms through which these platforms enhance understanding or, conversely, lead to distortion, could further enrich the findings. For instance, future research could delve into the pedagogical approaches of the mentioned religious figures online, or explore students' self-identified strategies for critical content evaluation beyond merely stating its necessity. Additionally, while the focus on Ushuluddin students is valuable, a comparative analysis with Gen Z not enrolled in theological studies could provide broader insights into differing levels of religious literacy and critical engagement. Nevertheless, this paper makes a valuable contribution by highlighting the complex interplay between modern digital life and fundamental religious understanding, offering important considerations for religious educators and policymakers grappling with online theological discourse.

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