Jurnal Sosial, Ekonomi Dan Bisnis
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2023): Mei 2023

The Flexing Phenomenon in Digital Society: An Islamic Economic Perspective on Consumption Ethics

Mutmainnah Mutmainnah (Ekonomi Syariah, UIN Kiai Haji Achmad Siddiq Jember)
Ari Fahimatussyam (Ekonomi Syariah, UIN Kiai Haji Achmad Siddiq Jember)
Abdur Rakhman Wijaya (Ekonomi Syariah, UIN Kiai Haji Achmad Siddiq Jember)



Article Info

Publish Date
02 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study explores the growing phenomenon of flexing—the public display of wealth andluxury—within digital society from the perspective of Islamic economics. The research aims tounderstand how such self-presentations on social media reflect broader shifts in consumervalues, identity construction, and moral behavior. Employing a qualitative descriptive approachwith a library research method, this paper analyzes classical theories of conspicuousconsumption alongside Islamic teachings on moderation (wasathiyyah), humility, andresponsible ownership (amanah). The findings reveal that flexing culture represents atransformation of consumption from a functional activity into a symbolic performance thatseeks validation and social capital. From an Islamic economic perspective, this behaviorcontradicts the ethical principles of simplicity, gratitude, and social justice, potentially leadingto materialism and moral imbalance. The study concludes that strengthening spiritual literacy,ethical awareness, and the integration of Islamic consumption principles in digital spaces areessential to guide Muslims toward a more sustainable and equitable consumption pattern.

Copyrights © 2023






Journal Info

Abbrev

econetica

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance Social Sciences

Description

Jurnal Econetica adalah sebuah jurnal publikasi ilmiah yang di dalamnya mencakup permasalahan sosial, ekonomi,dan bisnis, sebagai upaya untuk membuat sebuah wadah yang terintegrasi dengan ilmu pengetahuan khusunya bidang ekonomi dan ...