ANALISIS INTERAKSI SOSIAL DI PLATFORM TIKTOK (Studi Kasus Pada Anggota Komunitas “Digital Team” Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang)

The development of social media, specifically TikTok, has influenced social interaction patterns and friendship formation among Generation Z. This study aims to analyze how social interaction on the TikTok platform functions in maintaining friendship quality among members of the Digital Team community at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM). This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study method. Data collection techniques were conducted through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. The research informants consisted of three active members of the UMM Digital Team community, selected based on their involvement and intensity of interaction on TikTok. Data analysis was carried out by referring to the Social Penetration Theory by Altman and Taylor, which emphasizes two main dimensions of social interaction: breadth (the range of interaction) and depth (the intimacy of interaction). The results show that social interaction via TikTok allows for an expansion of conversation topics and an increase in relationship depth among community members through the comment features, direct messages, live broadcasts, and content collaboration. The gradual self-disclosure process contributes to building trust, emotional closeness, and social support among members. However, digital interaction also carries risks such as communication misunderstandings. Overall, this research indicates that TikTok plays a significant role as a social interaction tool that supports the formation and maintenance of friendship quality within the UMM Digital Team community.