Exploring Cyberculture: A Virtual Ethnographic Perspective on Generation Z Slang on TikTok

Abstract

Generation Z frequently uses slang as a communication medium for daily conversations due to the proliferation of social media. People typically blend various language variations for communication, whether in real-world interactions or in the virtual realm. One such interaction in the virtual world using slang occurs on the TikTok application, both in content creation and in the comment section. This interaction has transformed slang into a cyberculture, facilitating the exchange of identities in cyberspace. This research utilizes a virtual ethnography approach, incorporating four levels of cyber media analysis, to investigate the usage of slang by Generation Z on the TikTok application at various levels. Through observation and interviews with TikTok content creators and Generation Z users, researchers found several types of slang that have become cultural artifacts on the TikTok application, including slang derived from foreign languages, acronyms, abbreviations, and reversed words, as well as slang borrowed from foreign languages. The interactions occurring on the TikTok application also have real-world effects on the informants, such as experiences, relationships, and changes in daily communication habits due to the presence of slang.

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Jurnal Sosioteknologi, Volume 23, No. 3, November 2024
Website: hps://journals.itb.ac.id/index.php/sostek/index
Generation Z frequently uses slang as a communication medium for daily conversations
due to the proliferation of social media. People typically blend various language
variations for communication, whether in real-world interactions or in the virtual
realm. One such interaction in the virtual world using slang occurs on the TikTok
application, both in content creation and in the comment section. This interaction
has transformed slang into a cyberculture, facilitating the exchange of identities in
cyberspace. This research utilizes a virtual ethnography approach, incorporating four
levels of cyber media analysis, to investigate the usage of slang by Generation Z on the
TikTok application at various levels. Through observation and interviews with TikTok
content creators and Generation Z users, researchers found several types of slang that
have become cultural artifacts on the TikTok application, including slang derived from
foreign languages, acronyms, abbreviations, and reversed words, as well as slang
borrowed from foreign languages. The interactions occurring on the TikTok application
also have real-world eects on the informants, such as experiences, relationships, and
changes in daily communication habits due to the presence of slang.
ABSTRACT
Perkembangan media sosial membuat bahasa gaul menjadi amat populer di kalangan
generasi Z karena kerap kali digunakan sebagai media komunikasi untuk percakapan
sehari-hari. Biasanya, berbagai variasi bahasa disatupadukan untuk berkomunikasi,
baik interaksi yang dilakukan di dunia nyata maupun dunia maya. Salah satu interaksi
di dunia maya dengan bahasa gaul terjadi pada aplikasi TikTok, yakni pada pembuatan
konten dan dalam kolom komentar. Interaksi ini membuat bahasa gaul menjadi budaya
di media siber yang dipertukarkan antarentitas. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan
etnogra virtual dengan empat level analisis media siber untuk mengetahui bagaimana
budaya siber penggunaan bahasa gaul oleh generasi Z pada aplikasi TikTok dalam
berbagai level. Melalui metode observasi dan wawancara dengan konten kreator dan
generasi Z pengguna TikTok, peneliti memperoleh hasil terdapat beberapa tipe bahasa
gaul yang menjadi artefak budaya pada aplikasi TikTok, di antaranya bahasa gaul dari
bahasa asing, bahasa gaul dari singkatan, pemendekkan, dan kata yang dibalik, hingga
bahasa gaul serapan dari bahasa asing. Interaksi yang terjadi pada aplikasi TikTok
juga membawa efek bagi informan ke dunia nyata, seperti pengalaman, relasi, hingga
perubahan kebiasaan berkomunikasi sehari-hari akibat adanya bahasa gaul.
ABSTRAK
Keywords:
slang types, virtual ethnography,
cultural artifacts, cyberculture,
real-world eects
Kata kunci:
tipe bahasa gaul, etnogra
virtual, artefak budaya, budaya
siber, efek dunia nyata
Exploring Cyberculture: A Virtual Ethnographic Perspective on Generation Z
Slang on TikTok
Mengeksplorasi Budaya Siber: Sebuah Perspektif Etnogra Virtual Terhadap Bahasa Gaul
Generasi Z Pada Aplikasi TikTok
Aliyya Rahma Putri, Iis Kurnia Nurhayati
School of Communication and Social Science, Telkom University
iiskurnia@telkomuniversity.ac.id
INFO ARTIKEL
ARTICLE INFO
https://doi.org/10.5614/sostek.itbj.2024.23.3.8
Submitted: August 14, 2024 Accepted: October 24, 2024 Published: November 21, 2024

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Introduction
The rise of social networking sites has made it easier to observe the development of new language styles
in everyday life, known as "slang." Slang is a mix of dierent languages, including regional languages,
Indonesian, and foreign languages. Originally used by specic groups as a secret code, slang has gained
widespread popularity among Generation Z due to the inuence of social media, emerging as a common
form of both verbal and non-verbal daily communication.
Slang has become prevalent in both real-life interactions and cyberspace, thanks to the rise of social
media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Among these platforms,
TikTok has gained popularity in Indonesia for its slang. Users can express themselves through customized
music choices and enhance their videos with a variety of music, lters, stickers, and creative sounds.
Additionally, TikTok users can comment on videos, and these comments often feature slang. TikTok users
draw their slang from a variety of languages, such as regional languages, foreign languages, and playful
alterations of Indonesian. This slang tends to become popular on TikTok before spreading to other social
media platforms due to TikTok's ability to make videos go viral quickly. Research on Gen Z teenagers' use
of slang on TikTok has revealed diverse forms and meanings employed for communication. Furthermore,
investigations have identied various forms of slang words, including abbreviations, acronyms, word
reversals, and the creation of new words.
The use of slang can create a gap in understanding between younger and older individuals, leading
to communication breakdowns (Zein & Wagiati, 2018). Younger people who are socially active primarily
understand slang, while older generations may struggle due to dierences in age, environment, and
educational background (Fitriah et al., 2023). Aditya et al., (n.d.), suggest that people who don't use
slang might perceive them as outdated or traditional. Furthermore, M. F. Saputra (2022) has pointed out
that new vocabulary introduced through slang can be confusing. The use of slang also makes it dicult
for people who are unfamiliar with it to properly and accurately use the Indonesian language, requiring
signicant time and eort for comprehension (Suleman & Islamiyah, 2018).
The widespread use of slang by Generation Z on the TikTok platform has given rise to a unique
language and culture within the online world. As a result, researchers are interested in exploring how
Generation Z uses slang on TikTok from a cultural perspective within cyber media (cyberculture). They
usually use virtual ethnographic methods and four levels of cyber media analysis. The study will address
the following research questions:
1. How does cyberculture manifest itself in the use of slang by Generation Z within the media space
of the TikTok application?
2. How does cyberculture manifest itself in Generation Z's use of slang within media documents and
media objects on the TikTok app?
3. How does Generation Z's use of the TikTok application reect cyberculture?
The study by Zhou & Fan (2013) explored the evolution of slang in the United States, considering
individual and social factors. The research delved into the social functions of American slang, highlighting
its role in asserting self-identity, expressing emotions, and enhancing politeness. The study drew examples
from contemporary American slang textbooks, original American lms, novels, and dictionaries of
contemporary American slang.
The researchers have identied a gap in communication studies related to the ethnography of slang.
Previous research in this area has primarily come from literature and linguistics and has not focused on
the everyday use of slang, especially among Generation Z. Additionally, there is limited research on the
phenomenon of slang on the TikTok application, as most prior studies have looked at the use of slang on
platforms like WhatsApp, Twitter, and Instagram.
In this regard, the researchers observe several dierences from previous studies, as this research
focuses on the slang used in the TikTok application through a virtual ethnographic study. The selection
of the virtual ethnography method is based on four levels of cyber media analysis: the media space

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level, media document level, media object level, and experience level. The researchers will also conduct
virtual interviews with several TikTok content creators who are part of Generation Z. Moreover, this
study concentrates on a unique demographic, namely Generation Z users who actively use the TikTok
application and employ slang as a communication tool, a phenomenon not previously examined in
prior research. This aspect serves as a foundation for this study, highlighting its novelty compared to
earlier investigations. Furthermore, Nasrullah (2020) will contextualize the results and discussion of this
research within the framework of cyberculture.
The researchers aim to delve deeper into Generation Z's use of slang on the TikTok app from a
cyberculture perspective. The slang frequently used by Generation Z on TikTok is creating new language
and cultural dynamics in the cyber realm. This study will help the researchers address questions about
cultural trends in cyber media related to Generation Z's use of slang on the TikTok platform.
Virtual Ethnography
Ethnography, according to the KBBI (Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia), is the depiction of the culture
of contemporary ethnic groups. Ethnography aims not only to observe the current cultural realities of a
group and explain their activities but also to understand the historical and prospective aspects of these
societal groups. It raises awareness among them about strategies pertaining to leadership dominance as
well as the practices of racial, religious, and gender inequalities (Nasrullah, 2020).
Nasrullah (2020) denes virtual ethnography as a type of ethnographic research that takes place
in virtual spaces. Hine (2000) describes virtual ethnography as a methodological approach that analyzes
the internet and comprehends the behaviors of internet users during their online activities. Conversely,
Kozinets (2020) characterizes virtual ethnography as a distinct type of ethnographic research, known as
netnography, that aims to reveal computer-mediated interaction patterns.
Several fundamental principles underpin virtual ethnographic research. First, it starts with the
premise that the Internet constitutes a unique domain with distinct entities. Second, the cyber-social
reality that emerges may signicantly dier from oine reality (Nasrullah, 2020).
The researchers use virtual ethnography and four levels of cyber media analysis in this study to
examine the use of slang on the TikTok application. The researchers seek to comprehend the exchange of
this language and its potential transformation into everyday language. Language is a crucial dimension
of culture (Sugiawan, 2022), and the process of interaction in the cyber realm generates trends in slang.
Levels of Cyber Media Analysis
Rulli Nasrullah introduces a method for researching culture and cultural artifacts on the Internet in his
book "Virtual Ethnography as Communication, Culture, and Biotechnology Research on the Internet."
This method is referred to as the Cyber Media Analysis Method (AMS). It provides a framework and
guidance for conducting virtual ethnography consisting of four distinct levels, each oering insights into
the nature of virtual communities online (Nasrullah, 2018). Each level can operate independently, but
AMS also incorporates elements from oine and on-location research inuenced by the ethnographer's
perspective (Nasrullah, 2018).
Media Space
The media space unveils the structural elements of citizen journalism, encompassing activities like account
creation, content publishing procedures, and visual aspects of media presentation. Virtual ethnographic
techniques can gather data pertaining to these aspects. In this approach, researchers not only assume the
role of observers but also engage rsthand in the process by creating personal accounts and pages within
citizen journalism media platforms.

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Media Document
Researchers study the transmission of content and its meanings through cyber media at the media
document level. User-generated texts (encoding) become crucial focal points for interpretation (decoding).
This level allows cybermedia researchers to explore how users or audiences represent themselves. For
instance, texts not only express viewpoints and opinions, but also mirror ideologies, social contexts,
political stances, cultural distinctiveness, and even the portrayal of audiences.
Media Object
The third level, known as the media object level, is particularly specic because it allows researchers
to observe both individual and collective activities and interactions among users within cyber media
platforms. Researchers can obtain data at this level from both the texts themselves and the contextual
environment surrounding these texts. Saville-Troike (2003: 3), as cited in Nasrullah (2022), emphasizes
that at this level, researchers engage in communication ethnography practices. This involves immersing
themselves in the eld, making observations, interviewing subjects, participating in community activities,
and potentially experimenting to understand how local residents perceive their presence.
Researchers primarily focus on the textual output users produce at the media document level, but
at the media object level, they shift their focus to how other users receive and interact with these texts
within cybermedia environments.
Experience
The experience level is an important bridge between the virtual and real worlds, especially in understanding
why users participate in and create content for citizen journalism media. In addition to motivations, this
level also explores whether events in the online world are impacted by the real world or not. Researchers
examine the reasons behind content creation and its eects. Furthermore, at this level, researchers can
draw connections between phenomena observed online and their real-world counterparts (Nasrullah,
2022).
Cyberculture
According to Nasrullah (2022), culture fundamentally comprises values that emerge through interactions
among individuals within the context of their experiences and their interactions with media. These
interactions over time lead to the recognition and internalization of values, which can embed themselves
in individuals' subconscious minds and either directly or indirectly transmit to future generations.
It is indisputable that culture comprises values that arise from interactions among people within
a specic region or country. This cultural framework serves as the foundation and reference point for
communication processes among its inhabitants. The emergence of culture in distinct regions fosters
diversity, dierences, and unique characteristics that set them apart from others. These distinctions can
lead to two contrasting aspects: positive attributes and negative consequences.
The internet medium plays a pivotal role in the ongoing development of cyberculture on a global
scale. The characteristics of the virtual environment signicantly inuence life through interactions within
cyberspace. Cyberspace, often referred to as cyberspace, can be comprehended through its cultural aspects
and artifacts that manifest within it. Initially perceived in cultural studies as a simplistic communication
model compared to direct face-to-face interactions, the Internet generation communicates messages or
information using text or symbols such as writing or emoticons, which are mutually understandable by
both parties (Fauzi, 2018).

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Cyberculture in Social Media
In his book "Intercultural Communication in the Era of Cyber Culture" (Nasrullah, 2012), Nasrullah
denes the internet as a space where culture is produced, distributed, and consumed. Cyberculture,
in essence, explores how culture manifests in cyberspace. Social media serves as a platform through
which cyberculture emerges, and it facilitates the development of cybercultural artifacts. Essentially,
cyberculture on social media reects and originates from the real world where users exist.
Content as Culture
In addition to attracting new audiences through new media platforms, content remains central for the
growth and development of culture on social media. The audience produces and consumes content, which
serves as the fundamental material through which culture evolves. Social media platforms disseminate
various forms of content, including written text, photos, videos, sounds, and more. These diverse forms
of content contribute signicantly to shaping and perpetuating cultural expressions within the digital
sphere.
Language in Social Media
In social media, language emerges as a signicant aspect of cyberculture. Users create, share, and consume
cyberculture through text and other forms of content, which act as cultural artifacts. Technological devices,
from a communication perspective, mediate interactions in cyber media, facilitating and representing
human communication through technology or machines. Cyber researchers refer to this transformation
as "remediation", as it renders certain aspects of face-to-face communication irrelevant in mediated
contexts (Graham, 2004). People commonly refer to communication through computer mediums as
CMC (Computer-Mediated Communication).
When discussing text in cyberspace, two commonly used terms are "netspeak" and "netlingo."
Netspeak refers to writing in a manner that resembles spoken language. This includes modes such as
MUDs (Multi-User Dungeons), online chat rooms, or instant messaging platforms, where communication
often mimics the casual and informal nature of spoken conversation (Thurlow et al., 2004).
On the other hand, net lingo refers to writing text as if it were spoken language. In this context,
cybermedia structures its written text to convey expressions and tones similar to those in verbal
communication. Therefore, each word or sentence written in cybermedia appears to mirror the cadence
and intonation found in everyday speech (Thurlow et al., 2004). These terms highlight how language
adapts and evolves within digital communication environments to resemble either spoken language or
conversational styles.
Method
This research employs a qualitative method with a virtual ethnographic approach, specically focusing
on studying virtual groups on the Internet. Through virtual ethnography, researchers aim to analyze how
Generation Z utilizes slang on platforms like TikTok. Internet culture inuences the evolution of this
slang, making it accessible not only to Generation Z but also to all internet users who interact with these
platforms. This approach allows for a deep exploration of how digital environments shape language and
cultural practices across dierent user demographics. To ensure the accuracy of the data in this study,
the researchers will use source triangulation to test the data's credibility. Source triangulation involves
comparing dierent sources to conrm the validity of the collected data. In this study, the researchers
will use interviews with language experts or observers who focus on linguistic phenomena. They will
compare the results of the interviews with the experts' opinions on the use of slang in communication
activities on the TikTok application.

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Virtual Ethnography
Virtual ethnography expands on traditional ethnographic methods, which usually concentrate on groups
associated with specic physical locations. In contrast, virtual ethnography, especially on social networks,
overlooks geographical limitations. Instead of a physical location, virtual ethnography embraces the idea
of space (Prasetya, 2013). The methodological approach focuses on examining social phenomena and
user cultures within cybermedia.
Bell (2001, cited in Nasrullah, 2022) states that virtual ethnography is a crucial method for studying
cybercultural phenomena on the internet. There are various approaches to internet research in virtual
ethnography, depending on individual perspectives on the internet. According to Kozinets (2002, cited in
Nasrullah, 2020), virtual ethnography involves two main types of data collection. First, researchers gather
data by directly communicating with members of virtual communities. Researchers collect observational
data by observing virtual communities. The typical duration for online observations in virtual spaces
spans around two to three months. This method allows researchers to comprehensively explore and
understand the dynamics of virtual communities and cybercultures.
Virtual ethnography is an approach to observing behavior patterns, lifestyles, and social
relationships in the virtual realm of cyberspace. It is commonly used to study users or entities within the
internet community. This approach reects on the implications of communication through the Internet
(Nasrullah, 2018). So, using virtual ethnography, the researchers can study how Generation Z uses slang
on the TikTok app and how it evolved due to the internet's inuence. This means that slang is important
not only to Generation Z but also to all internet users. The researchers observed online interactions in the
virtual space for about two to three months.
Results and Discussion
Researchers at this level of analysis will focus on the structural aspects rather than the specic platform,
TikTok. They will investigate the processes involved in creating a TikTok account, uploading videos,
writing comments, following TikTok accounts, and using various features within the TikTok application.
Media Space Level
Key informants in this study have active social media accounts on TikTok. The relevant TikTok features
for this research include video creation, stories, live streaming, showcasing, lters, playlists, and captions.
These features are essential for understanding how users engage with and navigate TikTok as a platform
for social interaction and content creation.
Document Media Level
Researchers have discovered that users actively create and spread slang on the TikTok platform, primarily
through TikTok videos. Videos posted on users' TikTok accounts often include slang, making this a key
way of creating cultural artifacts. Users typically incorporate popular English or foreign terms that are
trending within the TikTok community into their videos. Here are some types of slang identied by
researchers through their observations:

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Table I Findings on Document Media Level
Slang Type Findings Meanings Context
Slang that comes from a
foreign language
“guys” The term "guys" is taken from
English, which means friends or
comrades
The term "mates" is commonly
used to greet or address
multiple people in a friendly or
informal manner
“homie” An absorption from English
which means home atmosphere
or a comfortable place
Used to describe a place, such
as a restaurant, coee shop
“hidden gem” Derived from English which
means something of high value
but not widely known to the
public
Used to describe a place, such
as a restaurant, coee shop
“healing” Taken from English, it means
healing to relieve feelings of
boredom and fatigue
Used when on holiday or going
to a favorite place
Borrowed slang from
foreign languages into
Indonesian
“gwencana” Adaptation from Korean which
means "it's okay"
Used to ask how someone is
doing
“estetik” An absorption from English
which means beautiful or a
good or beautiful place
Used to describe a place, such
as a restaurant, coee shop
“kalcer” An absorption from the English
word "culture" which means
cool, stylish, fashionable
Used to describe someone's
style or manner of dressing
“auto” Taken from Indonesian
"automatic"
Used to express a situation
spontaneously or occurring
suddenly
Slang from Indonesian
or foreign language
“lopyuhh” Adaptation of writing the word
"love you" from English into
Indonesian spelling
Used to express what is in the
heart
“beut” Shortening of the Indonesian
word "banget" which means
very or really
Used to describe an atmosphere
or situation, such as “bagus
beut tempatnya”, “enak beut
makanannya”
“pw” Shortening from Indonesian
"wuenak position" which means
a comfortable atmosphere
Used to describe a place, such
as a restaurant, coee shop
“gemoy” Changes in the form of the
word "cute"
Used to describe the physical
appearance of a person or an
item
Object Media Level
Researchers can gather research data at this level by examining texts within cybermedia or the contextual
information that surrounds them. Therefore, in addition to conducting observations, researchers will
inquire about how interactions unfold within the comment sections of TikTok videos and how entities
communicate using slang. Several types of comments were identied on each uploaded TikTok video,
as follows:

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Table II Findings in Object Media Level
Type of Comments on Each Post Findings
Using foreign language
“cute”
“spill”
“chill”
“OMG”
“bestie”
“ril”
“worth”
Using Slang
“cuaks”
“bjir”
“bejir”
Using Slang from Abbreviations, Shortenings, and Reverse
Words
“b aja”
“sabi”
“pw”
“gercep”
“bet”
Experience Level
The level of experience and experiential narratives provide a broad portrayal of societal or community
dynamics in the real world. At this level, researchers explore the underlying realities related to the language
used in TikTok videos and also analyze the motivations and impacts involved (Nasrullah, 2022). The
researchers conducted online interviews with four key informants who are Generation Z content creators
on TikTok. The interviews focused on their motives and experiences in becoming content creators.
Motives
Each informant possesses distinct motivations for assuming the role of an entity and content creator,
ranging from external requests to personal hobbies and the utilization of free time.
“Kalo TikTok awalnya aku disuruh sama orang…”
‘For TikTok, initially, someone told me…”
“Aku awalnya iseng-iseng aja ngespill…”
‘At rst, I causally just wanted to know…’
“...waktu itu ada satu video aku yang naik, terus dari situ ada brand yang ngereach aku dan mulai
deh dari situ pada minta barter...”
‘...at that time, one of my videos went up, then from there a brand reached out to me and starting
from that period they started asking for barter...’
“Kalo di TikTok sih sebenernya apa ya, aku tuh tipe orang yang suka ngeabadiin suatu momen
gitu.. dan aku juga bisa dilihat sebagai content creator karena aku hobi sih kayaknya. Dan ngisi
waktu luang juga sih”.

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‘What is it really like on TikTok? I'm the type of person who likes to capture a moment like that..
and I can also be seen as a content creator because it's like my hobby. And ll up my free time too.’
Benet
Each informant also gains benets upon becoming an entity and content creator on TikTok. These benets
include salary, fees, relationships, free product samples, and experiences.
“ya gaji itu pasti karena kan dari endorsement, dari live juga ada. Terus dari ngonten di TikTok ini
aku bisa ketemu orang yang hebat...”
‘Yes, the salary is certain because it comes from endorsements, there is also some from live. Then
from because of the content on TikTok, I can meet great people...’
“jadi dapet fee juga, dapet free product juga dan juga diendorse sama brand-brand lain...”
‘So, I get a fee, I get free products too and also get endorsed by other brands.’
“Kalo buat materi ada, karena ada beberapa brand yang dapet fee juga... hal-hal kek gitu kan aku
jadi ketemu orang baru, ketemu temen baru”.
‘For material, I get it too, because there are several brands that also get fees... things like that allow
me to meet new people, meet new friends.’
“aku join aliate juga jadi udah di ke TikTok Shop-in gitu. Biasanya sih dikirimin produk gratis...”
‘I also joined the aliate program, so I'm already on TikTok Shop-in. Usually I get free products
(sent by the endorsement)...”
Slang Usage on a Daily-basis
The use of slang on TikTok also inuences how informants communicate in their daily lives. They
acknowledge using slang regularly for communication purposes. They nd it facilitates easier
understanding and conversation with others, as well as enriching their vocabulary.
“…tapi kalo ngobrol sama temen berdampak banget…”
‘...but if you chat with friends, it really has an impact...’
“kalo menurut aku manfaat sih ada lah ya.. kek sekarang aku tau nih oh ini kata ini tuh artinya
gini. Selain itu sih aku juga ngerasa lebih deket sama orang...”
‘In my opinion, there are benets, okay? Now I know, oh, this word means something like this.
Apart from that, I also feel closer to people...’
“Ada dampaknya... kalo misalnya aku ngerti bahasanya kayak misalnya tadi skena bakal lebih
nyambung aja”
‘There is an impact... if, for example, I understand the language like the scene above, it will be
more connected.’
“Kalo dari aku emang sih di TikTok juga banyak perbendaharaan bahasa buat aku…Banyakan
yaa tau dari TikTok sih yang kayak gitu...”
‘From me, on TikTok there is also a lot of new vocabulary for me... mostly, I know a lot of those
vocabulary from TikTok...’
“yang aku suka tuh perbendaharaan kata aku jadi banyak”
"What I like is that my vocabulary has expanded"
“Kalo orang ngomong ke aku pake bahasa gaul aku jadi ngerti gitu”
‘If people talk to me using slang, I understand that’

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Discussions
Over time, traditional media has gradually shifted to more renewable forms, such as social media
(Nasrullah, 2012). User-generated content—where users create and disseminate all content—is one
characteristic of social media (Nasrullah, 2012).
TikTok as Social Media
According to Castells (2010, cited in Nasrullah, 2022), the phenomenon of content being produced and
consumed by the same entity can be described as "mass self-communication." The informants manage
their own accounts, demonstrating this phenomenon. Consequently, the informants themselves create
content and respond to comments through their respective TikTok accounts.
User-generated content, where users themselves create and share all material, is an important feature
of social media (Nasrullah, 2012). Castells (2010, cited in Nasrullah, 2022) describes the production and
consumption of content by the same entity as "mass self-communication." As a social media platform,
TikTok operates on a networking principle that interconnects accounts through followers and followers.
This connectivity allows accounts to receive real-time updates from connected users via technological
devices, creating interaction opportunities among them.
Mayasari (2022, cited in Anandayan & Adiprabowo, 2023) identies the media space level as the
environment where communities interact through accounts serving as information sources. Abdurahman
& Aulia (2020) argue that social media serves as a medium for interaction within a new cultural context.
Social media, therefore, portrays entities playing a role in shaping social and virtual interactions
(Anandayan & Adiprabowo, 2023). Thus, Nasrullah (2022) perceives cybermedia as a component in the
creation of cultural realities within the media space.
Content as the Primary Locus for Cultural Growth and Development
The informants upload the videos they create to their individual accounts, which are accessible to the
public. According to Nasrullah's (2012) perspective, the audience generates and consumes content on
social media, making video content on TikTok a platform for the evolution of slang. The general public
both produces and consumes TikTok videos.
Then, Marc Smith (1995, cited in Nasrullah, 2022b) delineates several facets of communication in
the cyber world. First, communication or interaction within the cyber world does not necessitate physical
presence or similarity among cyber media users as long as the functionality of interaction through cyber
media is maintained. Second, interactions in cyber media can be customized by users when connected
to the network. Third, interactions within the cyber world primarily take place through textual media.
Fourth, these interactions do not require similarities in terms of status or level of knowledge.
Slang as a Cultural Artefact
The media document level is instrumental in analyzing the production and dissemination of texts and their
meanings over the Internet (Nasrullah, 2022a). The process of encoding, where users construct texts, and
decoding, where they interpret these texts, is a critical focus at this level. Researchers delve into cultural
artifacts, scrutinizing the creation, distribution, and consumption of culture via internet networks and
the relationships forged among users. Researchers have identied the use of slang in TikTok videos as a
prominent cultural artifact.
Clark (1997) asserts that language serves as an artifact that not only enhances communication
eectiveness but also facilitates the transformation of complex ideas into more accessible forms. In
essence, language supports cultural reproduction, enabling learners of a foreign language to indirectly
engage with cultural aspects embedded in native speakers' speech. Therefore, grasping the cultural
context of language is crucial for learners.

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Mulyana (2008) denes slang as a collection of words or expressions with unique, non-conforming, or
specialized meanings, often diverging from conventional usage within specic subcultures. Additionally,
Ertika et al. (2019) elaborate that slang represents a deliberate variation of language, particularly among
teenagers or young adults, aimed at fostering familiarity and reinforcing group identity.
Various Slang as a Communication Tool on the TikTok Application
Researchers have identied various slang terms used by Generation Z in their communication on the
TikTok platform, observed both in content creation and in the comments section. Some of these slang
terms originate from foreign languages, borrowed languages, reversed words, and shortened forms.
According to Saputra & Aida (2019), slang represents a blend of Indonesian, foreign languages, and
regional dialects, commonly adopted by teenagers and younger generations. This linguistic fusion
contributes to the proliferation of new vocabulary that substitutes Indonesian words.
As discussed in the study by Budiasa et al. (2021), slang serves as a language variation frequently
encountered in social media communication. Language functions as a primary tool for interpersonal
interaction, expressing opinions, conveying information, and establishing self-identity (Kridalaksana,
cited in Budiasa et al., 2021). Social media platforms have become pivotal in the evolution of slang,
facilitated by their role in shaping new lifestyles among teenagers. These platforms allow users to connect
with like-minded individuals based on shared interests, hobbies, and professions. Consequently, social
media eectively propagates newly emerged slang, thereby integrating it into the vernacular of social
media discourse (Budiasa et al., 2021).
Mariyam Farzand's research from 2023 is consistent with this discovery. The research, titled
"Evolution of Internet Slang and Its Impact on English Language Communication," explains how
the Internet and digital communication platforms enable the spread of Internet slang, leading to a
transformation in the way people interact and communicate online.
Yuwono, a lecturer at the Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), University
of Indonesia (UI), highlighted that globalization has inuenced Indonesia's younger generation to
frequently use slang from foreign languages, especially English, in informal written communication.
Advancements in social media and technology further inuence this trend, shaping the characteristics
of contemporary slang. These adaptations align with the concise language requirements of written
communication mediums. The University of Indonesia published this information.
Sarwono (2004, cited in Kristianti, 2021) revealed that millennial teenagers create slang, a distinctive
language characterized by words and sentences altered or exchanged in a manner understood only within
their peer group. Meanwhile, Yuwono noted that contemporary slang characteristics are inuenced by
the development of social media, facilitated through technology and information infrastructure, thereby
conforming to the concise language requirements typical of written communication (University of
Indonesia, 2023).
Slang languages have emerged as a result of abbreviations or shortenings of both Indonesian and
foreign languages. The author identied this type of slang in TikTok videos uploaded by informants.
Examples include words like "beut" (shortened from "banget"), "pw" (an abbreviation of "wuenak
position"), "lopyu" (a playful rendition of "love you"), and "gemoy" (derived from "gemas"). This nding
is consistent with the research conducted by Gunawan and Susanti (2023) titled "The Use of Slang on
Instagram Among Adolescents," which suggests that this linguistic phenomenon may represent a shift
from standard language to non-standard grammar.
Data from Databoks further substantiates the emergence of this linguistic diversity, indicating
that Indonesia ranks second globally in terms of linguistic diversity, following Papua New Guinea,
with a reported 720 languages. Consequently, Indonesians are inclined to innovate slang language.
The proliferation of slang is also attributed to the advancement of electronic media, particularly online
platforms facilitating information exchange, where users predominantly belong to diverse ethnic groups

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within Generation Z (Pati, 2023). According to Putri et al. (2021), slang arises from the creative endeavors
of its users, who generate language in various forms.
Putra et al. (2016), cited in Cahyaningsih & Sabardila (2022), posited that the emergence of linguistic
variations contributes to diversity and stems from the unique communication styles of individuals.
These variations manifest as a multitude of languages, which evolve into everyday usage and eventually
transform into slang. According to Zagoto (2021), slang is prevalent across various media platforms.
Researchers identied such slang on TikTok social media, particularly in the comments section. These
comments incorporate English words such as "cute," "spill," "chill," "OMG," "bestie," "ril," and "worth."
Users use these terms to comment on or reply to other users' comments.
Partridge (1950) identies 15 factors that promote the use of slang: (1) Just for fun or joking,
(2) To display oneself or boast, often as a form of competition or response, (3) To appear dierent and
contemporary, (4) To enhance attractiveness, (5) To avoid making mistakes or to surprise, (6) To skip
small talk and get straight to the point, (7) To enrich vocabulary, (8) To demonstrate solidarity and
realism, (9) To soften or emphasize rejection in meaning, to reduce excessive seriousness in conversation,
to alleviate tragedy or misfortune, (10) To demonstrate superiority, (11) For ease of social interactions,
(12) To foster deeper intimacy, (13) To signify belonging to a particular group, (14) To distance oneself
from those outside their group, (15) To maintain condentiality.
This study observed that informants use slang for humor, to appear contemporary, to expand their
vocabulary, to lessen seriousness in conversation, and to facilitate social interactions.
Finally, researchers discovered comments using slang derived from abbreviations, shortenings, and
word reversals. Examples include "b aja," "sabi," "pw," "gercep," and "bet." This nding aligns with the
research of Putri et al. (2021), which identied slang such as "bet," "gercep," and "sabi" on the TikTok
platform. Additionally, Yulianti et al. (2023) documented various types of slang used by teenagers on
TikTok, including acronyms or shortened forms like "jakbar" for West Jakarta and "salting" for incorrect;
absorbed slang such as "kiyowo" from Korean, meaning cute, and "server" from English, meaning path;
and slang fragments like "bet" from really and "thor" from the author.
Cyberculture Through Three Approaches
On the one hand, cyberculture oers emotional gratication to users of social media, while on the
other hand, it fosters a distinct culture that diverges signicantly from the norms of the formal oine
environment (Uyun, 2020). Jenkins (2006), cited in Uyun (2020), asserts that cyberculture introduces
a post-space consciousness where cultural activities unfold in a virtual realm unrestricted by physical
boundaries. Bell (2001: 42, in Nasrullah, 2022) underscores the transformative impact of the internet,
adapting alongside advancements in computer technology and becoming integral to modern lifestyles
due to its expanded technological functionalities. Bell categorizes cyberculture through three lenses:
material, symbolic, and experiential. The material perspective views the Internet not only as a conduit
for communication but also as a platform for work, entertainment, leisure, information retrieval, and
commercial transactions. Information from informants regarding their motivations and outcomes on
TikTok illustrates this material approach.
Cyberculture Through Material Approach
The current view of the internet sees it not only as a means of sending and receiving messages but also as
a tool for work, entertainment, leisure, information, and commercial transactions. Individual interviews
reveal that people use TikTok for entertainment, pursuing hobbies, and nding information. The internet
has evolved beyond just transmitting messages and now includes functions such as entertainment, leisure,
and information. Research indicates that TikTok is popular for both entertainment and informative
content. Users have reported acquiring new knowledge through TikTok, and Generation Z frequently
utilizes it for educational and inspirational content. Access to a wide range of information resources and

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412
digital content via computer-connected networks facilitates learning through the Internet. The research
underscores the Internet's role in facilitating learning processes and serving as a medium for information
provision and exchange.
Hine proposed that we should view the internet not only as a network of computers communicating
in their own language, but also as a social phenomenon. This perspective involves examining the internet's
historical evolution and assessing its signicance and utility in society.
Cyberculture Through Symbolic Approach
The symbolic approach examines how the internet impacts people's experiences and aspirations in
cyberspace (Nasrullah, 2022a). This perspective is evident in the responses of individuals who create
content on TikTok. These individuals have acknowledged that active use of TikTok has brought
them benets and experiences such as earnings, endorsements, collaborations with brands, and new
relationships that have contributed to their personal growth. In the information society, people are
increasingly engaging in interactions mediated by computer screens, forming relationships from screen to
screen rather than face to face. Rohayati (2017) further describes social interactions in virtual societies as
involving dissociative and associative processes. Dissociative processes involve competition or conict
among members within virtual communities, while associative processes facilitate collaboration within
and between virtual networks.
Cyberculture Through an Experiential Approach
Cyberspace is believed to provide direction or patterns of interaction between individuals with technology
devices and among individuals through these devices (Nasrullah, 2022). Informants interact on the
TikTok application using slang, demonstrating this experiential approach. It is evident that informants
frequently write, reply, or exchange messages through direct messages using slang. Noviatri (2015) found
that words used in electronic mass media and print media signicantly contribute to word production.
Simangunsong (2016) mentioned that the phenomenon of social media usage, both individually and
collectively, increasingly demonstrates the benets of social media for interpersonal communication.
Furthermore, the research conducted by Harahap and Alkri (2023) indicates that the emergence of the
internet and social media, along with other environmental factors, has led to this linguistic phenomenon.
Conclusion
This study focuses on how Generation Z uses slang on the TikTok app. The research used virtual
ethnography and four levels of cyber media analysis. Data was collected through observation, interviews,
and documentation. The study found that slang is an important cultural tool used for communication and
content creation on TikTok. The app's networking principles make it easy for users to create and consume
content, turning videos into cultural artifacts. TikTok's features allow for creative video creation, and its
algorithm helps slang spread quickly. Social media, including TikTok, not only serves as an information
source but also as a platform for cultural evolution, particularly for emerging cultures like slang. The
study identied ve reasons for slang usage, including humor, contemporary appearance, vocabulary
enrichment, conversational lightness, and facilitation of social interactions, as outlined by Patridge
(1950).
After exploration and observation, it has been identied that slang serves as a cultural artifact in
this research context. Slang is both produced and consumed through TikTok video content and comments
that utilize it. The identied types of slang include expressions borrowed from foreign languages, lexical
borrowings, word shortenings, and word reversals.
The use of slang is closely connected to the reasons and results of its users. In this research, the
reasons for using TikTok among participants included seeking information, looking for jobs, pursuing
hobbies, and engaging in leisure activities. The eects and advantages of being a TikTok user and using

Exploring Cyberculture: A Virtual Ethnographic Perspective... | Aliyya, Iis
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slang include gaining material benets, forming relationships, improving vocabulary, and inuencing
daily communication habits.
Suggestions for future research include conducting further studies on slang used by Generation Z
on other applications or exploring slang from other generations. Slang is gradual and will evolve as long
as people create and use it. Additionally, the continuous advancement of technology will lead to new
developments in the future, resulting in ongoing changes in slang trends that vary across dierent time
periods.
This research can help content creators produce content that uses slang by showcasing its eects,
which can then be emulated by other content creators and entities in their content production. Additionally,
it is hoped that linguistic phenomena such as slang will receive attention from the government, as they
represent a phenomenon that enhances creativity and enriches language, particularly the Indonesian
language.
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