ETIKA BERMEDIA SOSIAL DALAM PERSPEKTIF NILAI-NILAI AGAMA: CANCEL CULTURE PADA GENERASI

Abstract

Social media has become the primary space of interaction for Generation Z, while also giving rise to the phenomenon of cancel culture, a practice of public boycott and ostracism directed at individuals or groups perceived to have violated social norms. This phenomenon is debated because, on one hand, it functions as a form of social control and moral accountability, while on the other hand, it often occurs without adequate verification, is driven by collective emotion, and negatively affects the mental health of its targets. This article aims to examine the phenomenon of cancel culture among Generation Z through the lens of social media ethics grounded in religious values. This study uses a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews with Generation Z participants who are active social media users, with the data analyzed thematically and discussed in dialogue with the literature on cancel culture, digital ethics, and religious values. The findings show that cancel culture among Generation Z is largely driven by digital mechanisms such as unfollowing, content boycotting, and mass criticism that reflect collective moral awareness, yet is prone to shifting into unilateral judgment that contradicts the principles of tabayun (verification), husnuzan (positive assumption), and forgiveness taught across religious traditions. Religious values such as honesty, responsibility, justice, and restorative approaches have the potential to serve as an ethical framework that balances the spirit of social accountability with respect for human dignity in digital spaces. This study recommends strengthening religiously grounded digital literacy as a preventive measure against the negative impacts of cancel culture among Generation Z.