PENGARUH REGULASI EMOSI TERHADAP AGRESI VERBAL DI MEDIA SOSIAL PADA GEN Z PEMAIN MOBILE LEGENDS

The development of social media and online games such as Mobile Legends has increased the intensity of digital interactions among Gen Z, which has contributed to the emergence of Verbal Aggression on social media. Competitive interactions in games and relatively anonymous communication can trigger negative emotions such as frustration, anger, and disappointment, which are then expressed through negative comments or insults. Therefore, an individual's ability to manage emotions is an important factor in determining how these emotions are expressed. This study aims to determine the effect of Emotion Regulation on Verbal Aggression on social media among Gen Z Mobile Legends players. This study used a quantitative approach with a correlational design. The study subjects were 387 respondents aged 18–27 who actively play Mobile Legends at least 4–5 times per week and actively use social media. The sampling technique used accidental sampling. The research instruments used were the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) to measure Emotion Regulation and the Verbal Aggressiveness Scale (VAS) to measure Verbal Aggression. Data analysis used multiple linear regression. The results showed that emotional regulation had a significant effect on verbal aggression with a contribution of 23.4%. Partially, the cognitive reappraisal dimension significantly influenced verbal aggression, while the expressive suppression dimension showed no significant effect. These findings can provide a basis for counselors, psychologists, and educators in designing intervention programs or Emotion Regulation training to reduce the tendency for Verbal Aggression on social media.