Revealing the ecstasy of communication upon using tik tok: A virtual ethnography in Palopo City, Indonesia

Wahyuni Husain and Saifur Rahman and Intan Soliha Ibrahim and Achmad Sulfikar (2025) Revealing the ecstasy of communication upon using tik tok: A virtual ethnography in Palopo City, Indonesia. Profetik Jurnal Komunikasi, 18 (1). pp. 110-127. ISSN 1979-2522

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Abstract

This research uses virtual ethnography to analyze TikTok usage patterns and the phenomenon of communication ecstasy among students in Palopo City. The qualitative field research method employed involves the use of questionnaires, interviews, observation, and documentation. A total of 53 students from universities in Palopo City participated in the questionnaire, and four were selected for further analysis through interviews. Data were analyzed using reduction techniques, presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results reveal that TikTok usage is prevalent among students, with daily use averaging over three hours per day. The purpose of use varies, including entertainment, information seeking, stress relief, hobby expression, and money-making. The phenomenon of communication ecstasy is evident in students' addiction to digital symbols like "like," "comment," "share," and "save." TikTok features enable students to immerse themselves in total simulation, blurring the lines between reality and virtuality, representation and reference, and facilitating the creation of simulacra and hyperreality. The implications suggest that TikTok is significantly altering communication patterns among students, leading to a shift from in-depth, meaningful interactions to more superficial, symbolic exchanges. This shift fosters a pseudo-environment where students can meticulously curate and project an idealized version of themselves, further obscuring the boundaries between authenticity and performance. As a result, the emphasis on visual storytelling and viral trends can lead to a culture of comparison and validation, potentially impacting students' self-esteem and social skills in the long term

Item Type:	Article
Keyword:	TikTok, Social Media, Students, Communication Ecstasy. Virtual Ethnography, Palopo City
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) > H1-99 Social sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HM Sociology (General) > HM(1)-1281 Sociology > HM831-901 Social change
Department:	FACULTY > Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
Depositing User:	SITI AZIZAH BINTI IDRIS -
Date Deposited:	22 Aug 2025 10:02
Last Modified:	22 Aug 2025 10:02
URI:	https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/45031

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