Indonesian Journal of Counseling and Development
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2025): December 2025

Exploring Muslim Youth Perceptions of Gender Imitation And Transwoman Representation in Digital Media

Suhertina, Suhertina (Unknown)
Hasbullah, Hasbullah (Unknown)
Ahmad, Raja Rahima Munawarah Raja (Unknown)
Hasgimianti, Hasgimianti (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
08 Dec 2025

Abstract

The rise of gender representation and transgender identity in digital media especially through gender-imitation content on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube has influenced how Muslim adolescents interpret the boundaries between entertainment and morality. This study explores Muslim youths’ perceptions of gender-imitation and transwoman representation on social media using Husserl’s phenomenological approach. Fifteen Muslim adolescents aged 13–15 who actively follow gender-imitation accounts participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using the Colaizzi method with validation through member checking and source triangulation. The findings reveal a core tension between entertainment and moral judgment. While many adolescents perceive gender-imitation content as humorous and creative entertainment, others interpret it as a moral deviation conflicting with Islamic values. This ambivalence reflects a negotiation between digital culture and religious principles, showing that exposure to such content simultaneously entertains and challenges moral reasoning. The study underscores the need for Islamic values-based media literacy to help Muslim adolescents critically interpret gender representation without diminishing their moral and spiritual sensitivity.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

bkpi

Publisher

Subject

Religion Education

Description

The aim of this journal is to publish high-quality articles dedicated to all aspects of the latest outstanding developments in the fields of counseling and education in all settings. The scope of this journal encompasses the applications of schools counseling, mental health, assessment, supervision ...