Dampak Penggunaan Media Sosial Terhadap Interaksi Sosial Masyarakat

Abstract

ocial media has become an inseparable part of modern society, changing the way individuals communicate, interact, and build social relationships. This study aims to analyze the impact of social media use on community social interaction, both in positive and negative aspects, as well as to identify strategies that can be applied to balance virtual life and the real world. This research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive methods. Primary data were collected through in-depth interviews with informants who actively use social media, while secondary data were obtained from journals, articles, and various literature sources relevant to the research topic. The results showed that intensive use of social media has shifted people's communication patterns from face-to-face interaction rich in body language and emotional depth to virtual communication that tends to be shallow. The phenomena of phubbing, echo chambers, opinion polarization, as well as increased individualism and reduced social empathy were found to be significant negative impacts. On the other hand, social media has also proven effective as a means of maintaining long-distance relationships, disseminating information about social activities, and mobilizing solidarity and humanitarian actions quickly. This study concludes that social media is a neutral tool, whose impact depends greatly on individual awareness and wisdom in using it. Collective awareness and the ability to create a balance between the virtual world and the real world are the main keys to minimizing negative impacts and maximizing the positive benefits of social media.