GENERATION Z CATHARSIS OF THE QUARTER LIFE CRISIS IN SOCIAL MEDIA

Abstract

Currently, many hashtags are discussing #age25 on social media. Most people set their standard of achievement at 25 to own possessions. A survey from Linkedin in 2017 showed that 75% of the population aged 25-33 admitted to having experienced a Quarter Life Crisis. Many people vent their frustration on social media as a form of catharsis. Photos, articles, videos, or actions can be uploaded on social media. The crisis experienced at this age usually arises because of social media. It is a form of relational dialectics in interactive relationships that occurs during life crises. The methodology used is qualitative-based research with a netnographic approach, which combines the internet with ethnography and data obtained by literature study. The result of this research is that social media has changed its function; which initially became a communication medium to meet in cyberspace, build relationships and present uploaded photos and videos, but has now turned into a medium or forum that can channel the expressions or aspirations of Generation Z who experienced it during the quarter life crisis. The conclusion that can be drawn from this research is that Generation Z sharing quarter-life situations and doing catharsis on social media is a good thing to channel their emotions. However, the distribution of these emotions must be structured so as not to become spam for other social media users.