Sumbula : Jurnal Studi Keagamaan, Sosial dan Budaya
Vol. 11 No. 2 (2026): Juli

Strategi Komunikasi Orangtua dan Anak Generasi Z dalam Merespons Fenomena ‘Marriage Is Scary’: Analisis Konten pada Platform Tiktok

Fithri Az-Zahra (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Indonesia)
Lies Utami Efni Safitri (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jul 2026

Abstract

The growing "Marriage Is Scary" phenomenon on TikTok reflects a shift in Generation Z's perspective on the institution of marriage within the context of digital culture. This trend highlights narratives of fear of long-term commitment, domestic conflict, economic pressure, and gender role inequality. This study aims to analyze the representation of communication strategies between Generation Z parents and children to uncover this phenomenon on TikTok and understand the dynamics of intergenerational communication that are formed. This research shows that social media plays a role in shaping the construction of the meaning of marriage through the fragmentation of negative narratives that are then internalized in Generation Z's perceptions. However, this influence is not deterministic. Family communication has been shown to be a dominant factor in shaping children's final attitudes toward marriage. Parents employ four main communication strategies: normative-religious, dialogical, role-modeling, and adapting to digital culture. Meanwhile, children's responses demonstrate the dynamics between the influence of social media and family experiences. This study concludes that the "Marriage Is Scary" phenomenon is not a rejection of marriage, but rather a reflection of the transformation in how the younger generation interprets commitment in a digital society. Healthy and open family communication is key to bridging intergenerational perspectives

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Journal Info

Abbrev

sumbula

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Other

Description

The focus of the themes and topics of this journal are understanding of religious, social and cultural studies, both locally and internationally through the publication of articles, research reports, and book reviews, Contains religious studies, whether educational, legal, political, economic, ...