Parasocial Relationship with Psychological Well-Being among Followers of Digital Dakwah Content of Generation Z

Silahudin Silahudin

Abstract


This study aimed to examine the relationship between parasocial relationship and psychological well-being among Generation Z followers of digital dakwah content in Samarinda City. The study employed a quantitative correlational approach involving 200 respondents aged 17–27 years who actively use social media and follow digital dakwah content on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through online questionnaires administered using Google Forms, consisting of the Parasocial Relationship Scale and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale. Data analysis was conducted using Pearson Product Moment correlation and simple linear regression analysis with SPSS software. Prior to hypothesis testing, normality and linearity tests indicated that the data met the assumptions for parametric statistical analysis. The results showed that parasocial relationship had a significant positive relationship with psychological well-being (r = .512, p < .001, N = 200). Regression analysis further demonstrated that parasocial relationship significantly predicted psychological well-being (β = .512, t = 8.421, p < .001), contributing 26.2% of the variance in psychological well-being (R² = .262; Adjusted R² = .258; F = 70.91, p < .001). These findings indicate that emotional attachment to digital dakwah figures may positively contribute to the psychological well-being of Generation Z by providing emotional support, perceived companionship, psychological comfort, and motivation through digital religious content. Practically, this study suggests that digital dakwah practitioners and social media content creators should develop supportive, empathetic, and psychologically engaging religious content to promote positive mental well-being among young audiences in the digital era.


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.31293/mv.v9i1.9477

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