ANALISIS DAMPAK ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) PADA PLATFORM MEDIA SOSIAL TERHADAP KUALITAS INTERAKSI SOSIAL GENERASI Z

Abstract

This study analyzes the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on social media platforms regarding the quality of Generation Z's social interactions. Employing a qualitative descriptive literature review method to examine scientific publications from Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate, this study reveals a paradox: an increase in digital connectivity that conversely decreases the authenticity of social relationships. The findings indicate that AI algorithms on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube successfully create personalized content while simultaneously triggering social pressure. AI recommendation systems encourage content conformity, construct performative digital identities, and shift communication patterns from reflective-emotional to rapid-visual. The resulting negative impacts include increased social anxiety, loneliness, the echo chamber phenomenon, and a dependency on algorithm-based validation that erodes deep interpersonal relationships. As a solution, this study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive critical digital literacy to build reflective awareness of algorithms, rather than focusing solely on technical skills. Its practical implications demand the development of more ethical platform designs, the integration of critical digital literacy into educational policies, and parental guidance. These recommendations aim to enable Generation Z to form healthy, critical, and authentic identities and interactions within an AI-driven digital environment