PEMANFAATAN MEDIA SOSIAL TIKTOK SEBAGAI MEDIA HIBURAN DI KALANGAN GEN Z (STUDI PADA MAHASISWA ILMU KOMUNIKASI ANGKATAN 2022)

The development of social media has driven significant changes in Generation Z's entertainment consumption patterns. TikTok, as a short-form video platform, has become a dominant entertainment platform due to its fast-paced, varied, and relevant content tailored to users' interests. This study aims to determine how Communication Science students from the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) in the 2022 intake utilize TikTok as an alternative entertainment medium in their daily lives.
This study uses Mood Management Theory to analyze how students choose TikTok as a means to regulate their mood, reduce stress, and fulfill their need for emotional relaxation.
A qualitative case study approach was used. Data was obtained through in-depth interviews and documentation with seven UMM Communication Science students from the 2022 intake who are active TikTok users.
The results show that Gen Z students predominantly use TikTok as a means of emotional management. Humor, short educational content, viral trends, and motivational content are the most popular types of content. The TikTok algorithm also plays a role in shaping entertainment consumption patterns by presenting content tailored to users' interests. TikTok also functions as a medium for mood regulation, helping users unwind and reduce academic stress. Thus, TikTok is not only an entertainment medium, but also a digital space that influences Gen Z's entertainment preferences, emotions, and daily routines.