Ahmad Jibril, Cut Metia

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT IN REDUCING ANXIETYFACING THE FUTURE FOR GEN-Z IN THE DIGITAL ERA TANJUNG BALAI

Introduction

The role of social support in reducing anxietyfacing the future for gen-z in the digital era tanjung balai. Discover how social support reduces Gen Z anxiety facing the future in Tanjungbalai's digital era. Highlights crucial role of quality emotional and instrumental support.

Abstract

This study aims to examine the role of social support in reducing anxiety levels experienced by Generation Z in facing the future in the digital era of Tanjungbalai. Generation Z is the generation born between 1997 and 2012. Generation Z lives amidst the rapid development of digital technology that brings unique challenges, including economic uncertainty, social pressure, and fear of the future. Through a qualitative approach, this study used observation and interview methods with five informants from Tanjungbalai City. The results showed that Generation Z anxiety was triggered by academic pressure, social comparison, and global uncertainty related to the economy and the environment. Social media shows a dualistic impact on the one hand exacerbating anxiety through exposure to unrealistic standards of success and negative content, but on the other hand serves as a source of career information, inspiration, and the formation of a supportive community. In this context, social support, especially emotional support empathy, validation of feelings and instrumental concrete assistance, practical solutions from close friends and family proved to be a critical coping mechanism. Its effectiveness depends on the quality of the interaction, where non-empathetic support can actually increase anxiety.

Review

This study presents a timely and relevant exploration into the complex interplay between social support and anxiety among Generation Z, particularly in the context of the digital era and future uncertainties. The clear objective to examine this relationship within the specific setting of Tanjungbalai offers a valuable localized perspective on a global phenomenon. Addressing the unique challenges faced by this demographic, including economic uncertainty, social pressure, and fear of the future, makes the research highly pertinent and contributes to understanding contemporary youth well-being. The initial outline of Gen Z's definition and their environment effectively sets the stage for the investigation. Employing a qualitative approach through observation and interviews, the study effectively uncovers several key triggers for Gen Z anxiety, namely academic pressure, social comparison, and broader global economic and environmental uncertainties. A particularly insightful finding is the dualistic impact of social media, which is shown to both exacerbate anxiety through exposure to unrealistic standards and negative content, while also serving as a vital resource for career information, inspiration, and community building. The research further distinguishes effective social support into emotional (empathy, validation) and instrumental (concrete assistance, practical solutions) forms, emphasizing that its efficacy is highly dependent on the quality of interaction, with non-empathetic support having detrimental effects. The exploration of these nuanced dynamics provides a rich understanding of Gen Z's coping mechanisms. While providing valuable insights, the study's reliance on a small sample of five informants, though appropriate for an in-depth qualitative exploration, limits the generalizability of its findings beyond the specific context of Tanjungbalai. Future research could consider expanding the sample size, incorporating diverse demographic groups within Gen Z across different geographical locations, or employing mixed-methods to quantitatively validate the identified anxiety triggers and the impact of different social support types. Furthermore, exploring intervention strategies based on the identified effective social support mechanisms would be a beneficial next step. Nevertheless, this study makes a significant contribution to understanding the specific anxieties and coping strategies of Gen Z in the digital age, particularly highlighting the critical role of quality social support from close friends and family.

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