Negotiating Digital Cultural Identity and Tolerance among Indonesian Gen Z: A Cross-Cultural Communication Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37812/josse.v4i2.2116Keywords:
Communication, Cross-Culture, Digital Culture, Tolerance, Social MediaAbstract
The development of digital technology has changed the landscape of public communication in Indonesia, primarily through social media, which has become the main arena for expressing identity and cross-cultural interaction. Generation Z, as a group that grew up in a digital ecosystem, faces challenges in navigating cultural identity, tolerance values, and social norms in a dynamic and diverse online space. This study aims to understand how Indonesian Generation Z negotiates cultural identity and tolerance practices through digital communication. The research uses an explanatory sequential mixed-method approach. The quantitative phase involves an online survey of 500 respondents from various regions in Indonesia to explore communication patterns, cultural openness, and attitudes towards tolerance. The qualitative phase consisted of semi-structured interviews with 20 selected participants to explore personal experiences, identity negotiation strategies, and the meaning of cross-cultural interactions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify main themes. The results show that social media serves as a space for self-expression and a medium for negotiating cultural identity, where Generation Z combines local cultural symbols with global trends, creating a flexible, hybrid identity. Linguistic creativity through slang, code-switching, and innovative spelling is an important strategy for self-expression, building solidarity, and navigating digital social norms. Exposure to cross-cultural content increases tolerance, though interactions are often limited to similar communities due to platform algorithms. This study emphasises that critical digital literacy and cultural awareness are necessary to maximise the potential of social media as an inclusive means of strengthening social cohesion and intercultural harmony in Indonesia.
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