Digital Theory, Culture & Society
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): July

Digitalization and the degradation of parental authority among Generation Z in Kampung Timor, Ambon City

Paulus Koritelu (Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Pattimura, Ambon)
Jeffry Ernest Marten Leiwakabessy (Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Pattimura, Ambon)
William Bernadus Titing (Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Pattimura, Ambon)
Suleman Watianan (Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Pattimura, Ambon)



Article Info

Publish Date
19 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study examines the impact of digitalization on changing power relations within families, focusing on the erosion of parental authority among Generation Z in Kampung Timor, Ambon City. The rapid expansion of the internet, social media, and digital technologies has transformed patterns of family interaction while reshaping the values and behaviors of young people. A qualitative approach was employed, with data collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis involving both parents and children. The findings reveal that digital spaces have shifted sources of authority from parents to external actors, including social media platforms, influencers, and online communities. As a result, parental control has weakened, interpersonal communication has diminished, and traditional parenting practices have become less effective. The digital literacy gap between parents and children further reinforces young people's dominant position in accessing, interpreting, and producing information. These findings highlight the need to adapt parenting practices by strengthening parents’ digital literacy, fostering dialogical communication, and reinforcing family values. Such efforts are essential to sustaining parental authority while promoting healthy parent–child relationships in an increasingly digital society.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

dtcs

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences Other

Description

This journal covers various issues of today digital era as well as the intersection of social, cultural, economics and humanities disciplines in highlighting the theoretical and practical sides of the digital culture and society: social media and digital society, gender and digital culture, religion ...