The Phenomenon Of Social Relations In The Digital Native Era (descriptive Study Of Alienation Among Students At The University)

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The Phenomenon of Social Relations in the Digital Native Era: A Descriptive Study of Alienation among Students at the University

In the current digital era, a new generation of "digital natives" has emerged, characterized by their innate ability to navigate and interact with technology. This generation has grown up surrounded by the internet and social media, and their lives are increasingly intertwined with cyberspace. As a result, an intriguing question arises about the impact of technology on social relations, particularly among students. This study, titled "Social Relationship Phenomenon in the Digital Native Era (Descriptive Alienation Study among Students in the University of North Sumatra)," aims to explore how this phenomenon occurs.

Exploring Social Relations in the Digital Era: A New Reality

Social relations, a fundamental human need, are born from the process of interaction. However, the digital native era presents new challenges. Students, as groups who are familiar with technology, tend to spend more time in cyberspace, engaging in virtual interactions that dominate their lives. This shift raises an important question: Is the virtual world becoming more and more detached from social reality? The increasing reliance on technology has led to a decline in face-to-face interactions, which are essential for building and maintaining social relationships.

Alienation: The Shadows of the Digital Era

This study identifies alienation as a phenomenon that appears in the digital age. Alienation refers to feelings of disconnection, loss of sense of ownership, and disengagement from the social environment. In the context of students, alienation can occur due to excessive dependence on the internet and the virtual world. They may feel isolated from real life, struggle to build social connections, and lose control over their time and activities. The consequences of alienation can be severe, leading to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.

Research Methods and Results: A Qualitative Approach

This study employs a qualitative approach with the phenomenological method. Through this method, researchers explore student life experiences in Medan, related to social relations and alienation they experienced in the digital age. The researchers aim to understand what students experience, how they feel it, and how the internet affects their social life. The study reveals various forms of alienation that emerged in students' internet life, including:

  • Loss of social closeness: Students tend to be more comfortable interacting virtually, reducing the intensity of communication and face-to-face interaction with friends, family, and the surrounding environment.
  • Loss of time limits and activities: The internet allows access to information and entertainment without limits, causing students to be trapped in cyberspace, spend hours surfing the internet, and ignore other responsibilities.
  • A sense of anxiety and depression: Dependence on the internet and social media can trigger anxiety and depression, due to the emergence of social comparisons, demands to look perfect, and fear of missing information.

Building a Healthy Relationship in the Digital Era: A Call to Action

This study provides an important picture of the challenges and impacts of the digital era on social relations. Although technology offers extraordinary benefits, we need to be aware of the potential of alienation it causes. To build healthy social relations in the digital age, we need to:

  • Create balance: Establish a balance between the real world and virtual, limiting the use of the internet and social media, and taking time to interact directly with others.
  • Build social skills: Improve social skills, such as communicating effectively, listening with empathy, and building healthy relationships.
  • Establish a reality relationship: Take time to meet friends, family, and community, participate in social activities, and develop hobbies that involve direct interaction.

It is essential to remember that technology is not an enemy. Technology can be a tool to build positive social relations, but it needs to be accompanied by awareness and efforts to maintain a balance between cyberspace and the real world.

Conclusion

The phenomenon of social relations in the digital native era is a complex and multifaceted issue. This study highlights the importance of understanding the impact of technology on social relations, particularly among students. By exploring the forms and consequences of alienation, we can develop strategies to build healthy social relations in the digital age. Ultimately, it is up to us to harness the benefits of technology while maintaining a balance between the virtual and real worlds.

Recommendations

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

  • Education and awareness: Educate students about the potential risks of excessive internet use and the importance of maintaining a balance between the virtual and real worlds.
  • Social skills training: Provide training programs to improve social skills, such as communication, empathy, and conflict resolution.
  • Community engagement: Encourage students to participate in community activities and develop hobbies that involve direct interaction.
  • Parental involvement: Encourage parents to monitor their children's internet use and engage in conversations about the potential risks and benefits of technology.

By implementing these recommendations, we can help students build healthy social relations in the digital age and mitigate the negative consequences of alienation.
Q&A: The Phenomenon of Social Relations in the Digital Native Era

In our previous article, we explored the phenomenon of social relations in the digital native era and the impact of technology on social relations, particularly among students. In this Q&A article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions related to this topic.

Q: What is the digital native era?

A: The digital native era refers to the current generation of people who have grown up surrounded by technology and the internet. They are characterized by their innate ability to navigate and interact with technology, and their lives are increasingly intertwined with cyberspace.

Q: What is alienation in the context of the digital native era?

A: Alienation in the context of the digital native era refers to feelings of disconnection, loss of sense of ownership, and disengagement from the social environment. It can occur due to excessive dependence on the internet and the virtual world, leading to isolation from real life, difficulty building social connections, and loss of control over time and activities.

Q: What are the consequences of alienation in the digital native era?

A: The consequences of alienation in the digital native era can be severe, leading to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. It can also lead to a decline in face-to-face interactions, which are essential for building and maintaining social relationships.

Q: How can students build healthy social relations in the digital age?

A: Students can build healthy social relations in the digital age by creating a balance between the real world and virtual, limiting the use of the internet and social media, and taking time to interact directly with others. They can also improve social skills, such as communicating effectively, listening with empathy, and building healthy relationships.

Q: What role can parents play in helping their children build healthy social relations in the digital age?

A: Parents can play a significant role in helping their children build healthy social relations in the digital age by monitoring their internet use, engaging in conversations about the potential risks and benefits of technology, and encouraging them to participate in community activities and develop hobbies that involve direct interaction.

Q: What are some strategies for mitigating the negative consequences of alienation in the digital native era?

A: Some strategies for mitigating the negative consequences of alienation in the digital native era include:

  • Education and awareness: Educate students about the potential risks of excessive internet use and the importance of maintaining a balance between the virtual and real worlds.
  • Social skills training: Provide training programs to improve social skills, such as communication, empathy, and conflict resolution.
  • Community engagement: Encourage students to participate in community activities and develop hobbies that involve direct interaction.
  • Parental involvement: Encourage parents to monitor their children's internet use and engage in conversations about the potential risks and benefits of technology.

Q: What is the future of social relations in the digital native era?

A: The future of social relations in the digital native era is uncertain, but it is likely that technology will continue to play a significant role in shaping social relationships. However, by being aware of the potential risks and benefits of technology and taking steps to mitigate the negative consequences of alienation, we can work towards building healthier and more meaningful social relationships in the digital age.

Conclusion

The phenomenon of social relations in the digital native era is a complex and multifaceted issue. By understanding the impact of technology on social relations, particularly among students, we can develop strategies to build healthy social relations in the digital age. We hope that this Q&A article has provided valuable insights and information on this topic.