The Eastasouth Journal of Social Science and Humanities
Vol. 3 No. 03 (2026): The Eastasouth Journal of Social Science and Humanities (ESSSH)

The Role of Popular Culture and the Intensity of Online Interaction on Language Variation of Urban Indonesian Adolescents

Ida Bagus Rai Putra (Universitas Udayana)
I Wayan Deddy Sumantra (UHN I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa Denpasar)
I Wayan Gede Lamopia (Institut Teknologi dan Bisnis STIKOM Bali)
Gek Diah Desi Sentana (UHN I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa Denpasar)
I Gede Bagus Wisnu Bayu Temaja (IKIP Saraswati)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Jun 2026

Abstract

The expansion of digital technology and the widespread influence of global popular culture have significantly shaped the communication patterns of urban Indonesian adolescents, leading to the emergence of new linguistic variations in everyday interaction. This study aims to analyze the role of popular culture and the intensity of online interaction in shaping language variation among urban youth in digital spaces. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining social media usage surveys, digital content observation, and limited interviews with adolescents in urban environments. The findings indicate that popular culture particularly music, fashion trends, and global online content encourages the adoption of foreign vocabulary, code-switching, and symbolic digital expressions. Meanwhile, high levels of online interaction accelerate the diffusion of linguistic innovations, strengthen group identity, and establish new communication norms among adolescents. These results demonstrate that urban youth language variation is not merely a linguistic phenomenon but also a social practice closely related to identity construction, lifestyle, and participation in digital culture.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

esssh

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Social Sciences

Description

ESSSH - The Eastasouth Journal of Social Science and Humanities is a peer-reviewed journal and open access three times a year (February, June, October) published by Eastasouth Institute. ESSSH aims to publish articles in the field of Sociology and Social Sciences, Anthropology, Psychology, Political ...