PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN FITUR CHAT DAN GRUP CHAT WHATSAPP TERHADAP GAYA KOMUNIKASI REMAJA DENGAN TEMAN SEBAYA

This study aims to analyze the influence of WhatsApp’s chat and group chat features on the communication styles of adolescents with their peers. The background of this research is based on the high intensity of WhatsApp usage among teenagers, which has the potential to affect how they communicate in daily social interactions. The research method used is quantitative with descriptive and explanatory approaches. Primary data were obtained through the distribution of questionnaires to students at SMP Negeri 1 Bluto, Sumenep Regency, selected using a probability sampling technique with a simple random sampling method. Secondary data were collected through books, scientific journals, and relevant literature sources. Data analysis was conducted using simple linear regression to determine the impact of using WhatsApp chat and group chat features on adolescent communication styles.
The results indicate that the use of WhatsApp chat and group chat features significantly influences adolescent communication styles including assertive, passive, and aggressive styles with a significance value of less than 0.05. The intensity of WhatsApp usage tends to encourage adolescents to be more active in expressing opinions and feelings through digital communication; however, under certain conditions, it also gives rise to passive or aggressive communication tendencies. These findings demonstrate that WhatsApp plays a crucial role in shaping the communication styles of adolescents with their peers in the digital era.