<![CDATA[TikTok dependency and social interaction among students at Universitas Syiah Kuala. TikTok is a short-video-based social media platform favored by the younger generation for its fast-paced and easily accessible content. However, excessive use may lead to dependency symptoms that negatively affect direct social interactions. This study aims to examine the relationship between TikTok dependency and social interaction among students at Universitas Syiah Kuala. The research applies Media Dependency Theory proposed by Melvin DeFleur and Sandra Ball-Rokeach, which explains that the more individuals rely on media, the greater its influence on their behavior. This study employs a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six active students who exhibited signs of TikTok dependency. The findings indicate that informants experienced dependency symptoms with daily usage ranging from six to ten hours. The dominant symptoms were salience and mood modification. This dependency contributed to decreased face-to-face interaction, a preference for virtual communication, and changes in everyday communication styles. Keywords: Media dependency; TikTok; Students; Social media ]]>
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