Self -Openness Of Youth Users Of Addictive Social Media Tiktok With Parents (Case Study Of Interpersonal Communication In Families In Naga Dolok Village, Simalungun Regency)

Feb 27, 2025 by ADMIN 174 views

Self-Openness of Youth Users of Addictive Social Media Tiktok with Parents: A Case Study of Interpersonal Communication in Families in Naga Dolok Village, Simalungun Regency

Introduction

In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives, especially for teenagers. Platforms like Tiktok have become a hub for self-expression, creativity, and social interaction. However, the impact of social media on interpersonal communication, particularly between teenagers and their parents, is a topic of great interest and concern. This study aims to explore the self-openness of youth users of Tiktok with their parents, focusing on the dynamics of communication in families in Naga Dolok Village, Simalungun Regency.

The Importance of Self-Openness in Teenagers

Self-openness refers to the willingness of individuals to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with others. In the context of teenagers and their parents, self-openness is crucial for building trust, understanding, and a strong relationship. However, the rise of social media has created a paradox, where teenagers feel more comfortable communicating online, but may struggle to open up in face-to-face interactions with their parents.

Research Methodology

This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach, using observation and in-depth interviews with 12 informants, including 5 teenagers users of Tiktok, 5 of their parents, 1 communication expert, and 1 village head. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select the informants. The data analysis involved techniques such as data reduction, data presentation, drawing conclusions, and testing data validity through resource triangulation.

Research Results

The results of this study showed that the five teenagers felt comfortable sharing stories with their mothers, but not all aspects of their lives were openly discussed. Only one informant did not have a "secret window" or an area that was not shared with their parents. The fourth informant was the most open, discussing various aspects, including friendship, finance, education, and personal problems. However, other informants tended to be more closed in sharing information.

Self-Openness Analysis

The self-openness of youth users of Tiktok with their parents is strongly influenced by interactions on social media. Social media provides a platform for expression and a space for adolescents to show their side of themselves that they may not be able to convey directly to their parents. However, this phenomenon creates paradoxes, where teenagers feel more comfortable communicating online, but emotional closeness and trust in face-to-face relationships with their parents are sometimes hampered.

The Role of Social Media in Shaping Self-Openness

Social media has become a significant factor in shaping the self-openness of teenagers. Platforms like Tiktok provide a space for self-expression, creativity, and social interaction. However, this can also lead to a sense of anonymity, where teenagers may feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings online, but may struggle to open up in face-to-face interactions with their parents.

Conclusion

The communication between teenagers users of Tiktok and their parents in Naga Dolok Village highlights the importance of building open and honest communication channels. Although some teenagers feel comfortable sharing stories, they still have a limit in opening themselves, which may be influenced by fear of being judged or lack of understanding from parents about the world of adolescents today. Therefore, parents are expected to be more sensitive and proactive in creating a supportive environment so that teenagers feel safe to share their feelings and experiences.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Parents should be more sensitive and proactive in creating a supportive environment for their teenagers to share their feelings and experiences.
Parents should understand the world of adolescents today, including the impact of social media on their lives.
Communication channels should be open and honest, allowing teenagers to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings with their parents.
Parents should be willing to listen and understand their teenagers' perspectives and experiences.

Implications for Future Research

This study has implications for future research on the impact of social media on interpersonal communication, particularly between teenagers and their parents. Future studies should explore the following:

The impact of social media on self-openness in different age groups and cultural contexts.
The role of parents in shaping self-openness in their teenagers.
The development of effective communication strategies for parents to build open and honest communication channels with their teenagers.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The small sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
The use of a single research method, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.
The lack of longitudinal data, which may limit the understanding of the long-term impact of social media on self-openness.

Future Directions

This study provides a foundation for future research on the impact of social media on interpersonal communication, particularly between teenagers and their parents. Future studies should explore the implications of this study and develop effective strategies for parents to build open and honest communication channels with their teenagers.
Q&A: Self-Openness of Youth Users of Addictive Social Media Tiktok with Parents

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the self-openness of youth users of Tiktok with their parents, focusing on the dynamics of communication in families in Naga Dolok Village, Simalungun Regency. This Q&A article aims to provide further insights and answers to common questions related to this topic.

Q1: What is self-openness, and why is it important for teenagers and their parents?

A1: Self-openness refers to the willingness of individuals to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with others. It is essential for building trust, understanding, and a strong relationship between teenagers and their parents. Self-openness allows parents to understand their teenagers' perspectives and experiences, which can help them provide better support and guidance.

Q2: How does social media influence self-openness in teenagers?

A2: Social media can both positively and negatively impact self-openness in teenagers. On the one hand, social media provides a platform for self-expression and creativity, which can help teenagers feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. On the other hand, social media can also create a sense of anonymity, where teenagers may feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings online, but may struggle to open up in face-to-face interactions with their parents.

Q3: What are some common challenges that parents face in building open and honest communication channels with their teenagers?

A3: Some common challenges that parents face in building open and honest communication channels with their teenagers include:

Fear of being judged or rejected
Lack of understanding about the world of adolescents today
Difficulty in creating a supportive environment
Limited time and attention to devote to their teenagers

Q4: How can parents create a supportive environment for their teenagers to share their feelings and experiences?

A4: Parents can create a supportive environment for their teenagers by:

Being approachable and non-judgmental
Showing genuine interest in their teenagers' lives
Creating a safe and comfortable space for conversation
Being willing to listen and understand their teenagers' perspectives and experiences

Q5: What are some effective communication strategies that parents can use to build open and honest communication channels with their teenagers?

A5: Some effective communication strategies that parents can use to build open and honest communication channels with their teenagers include:

Active listening
Open-ended questions
Non-verbal communication (e.g., body language, facial expressions)
Validation and empathy

Q6: How can parents balance their need for control and guidance with their teenagers' need for independence and self-expression?

A6: Parents can balance their need for control and guidance with their teenagers' need for independence and self-expression by:

Setting clear boundaries and expectations
Encouraging independence and self-expression
Providing guidance and support when needed
Being flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances

Q7: What are some potential consequences of not building open and honest communication channels with their teenagers?

A7: Some potential consequences of not building open and honest communication channels with their teenagers include:

Strained relationships
Difficulty in resolving conflicts
Increased risk of mental health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety)
Decreased academic and social performance

Q8: How can parents stay connected with their teenagers in a world where social media is increasingly dominant?

A8: Parents can stay connected with their teenagers by:

Being present and engaged in their lives
Showing genuine interest in their teenagers' online activities
Setting clear boundaries and expectations around social media use
Encouraging open and honest communication about online activities

Conclusion

Building open and honest communication channels with their teenagers is essential for parents to understand their perspectives and experiences. By creating a supportive environment and using effective communication strategies, parents can help their teenagers feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.