Aksaqila International Humanities and Social Sciences [AIHSS] Journal

Analysis Of The Sandwich Generation In Meeting The Daily Needs Of Adults In Medan City

2026-04-09T15:03:05+07:00

This study examines the phenomenon of the sandwich generation among adults in Medan City, focusing on how they fulfill their daily needs and manage financial responsibilities. The sandwich generation refers to individuals who simultaneously bear financial obligations for themselves, their parents, and their dependents. This research employs a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews and observations to explore the lived experiences of participants. The findings reveal that individuals within the sandwich generation face significant financial pressure due to rising living costs, multiple family responsibilities, and limited income. In response, they adopt various coping strategies, including strict financial management, seeking additional income sources, and adjusting their lifestyle priorities. Furthermore, financial literacy plays a crucial role in improving financial well-being, as individuals with better financial understanding demonstrate more effective decision-making and long-term planning. This study highlights the importance of strengthening financial literacy and implementing supportive social and economic policies to enhance the welfare of the sandwich generation.

Perceptions Of Teenagers In Tebing Tinggi City Regarding The Trend Of Weddings Without Receptions

2026-04-09T15:03:38+07:00

Weddings without receptions are a growing trend in society, particularly among the younger generation. This study aims to examine how adolescents in Tebing Tinggi City perceive the trend of weddings without receptions, in terms of their understanding, evaluation, and attitudes. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method, utilizing data collection techniques such as in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis was conducted based on perception theory, which encompasses the stages of selection, organization, and interpretation, as well as the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) theory. The research informants were adolescents in Tebing Tinggi City. The results indicate that adolescents understand weddings without receptions as weddings that only involve the marriage ceremony without a large celebration. They consider such marriages valid both religiously and legally, but they are still often viewed as less acceptable by society because the reception has become a tradition. Knowledge regarding this phenomenon is largely obtained from social media, family, and peers. Most adolescents support marriage without a reception because it is considered simpler and more realistic, and they even state they would choose it in the future. However, social prestige remains the main obstacle to societal acceptance.

Decoding The Digital Bond: A Phenomenological Study Of Parasocial Interaction And Trust In Micro-Influencer Marketing Among Gen Z

2026-04-13T14:58:45+07:00

This study aimed to explore the role of parasocial interaction in shaping consumer trust in micro-influencer marketing among Generation Z. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed to understand the lived experiences of digital consumers interacting with micro-influencers on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Data were collected through literature review, observation of user engagement patterns, and analysis of user-generated content, including comments and interactions. The findings indicated that parasocial interaction was formed through repeated exposure to personal and relatable content, creating a sense of emotional closeness between consumers and influencers. Trust was significantly influenced by perceived authenticity, transparency, and consistency in influencer behavior. Interactive communication, such as responding to comments and live engagement, further strengthened the perceived relationship and trust. However, excessive commercialization and inconsistent endorsements were found to reduce credibility. This study highlights that emotional connection and authenticity are critical factors in developing effective micro-influencer marketing strategies targeting Generation Z.

Virtual Activism and Multimodal Meaning-Making: Investigating Protest Representation in Roblox through Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis

2026-04-13T14:59:23+07:00

Digital environments increasingly function as spaces where sociopolitical expression is performed through interactive media. This study explores how protest discourse and power relations are represented within a virtual protest simulation on the Roblox platform. The research applies Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis (MCDA) by integrating Critical Discourse Analysis (Fairclough, 1995) with multimodal social semiotics (Kress & van Leeuwen, 2006, 2021). Data were obtained from five scenes collected through close-playing observation of a Roblox protest simulation associated with the “Free Palestine” movement. The analysis focuses on the interaction of linguistic, visual, gestural, spatial, and auditory semiotic resources embedded within the virtual environment. The findings reveal that protest representation in the simulation emerges through the coordinated use of symbolic imagery, avatar interaction, spatial positioning, and textual expressions. These multimodal configurations communicate meanings related to solidarity, institutional authority, embodied resistance, and humanitarian advocacy. The study demonstrates that gaming platforms such as Roblox can function as discursive arenas where ideological positions and political narratives are negotiated through interactive communication. By extending Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis into participatory gaming environments, this research contributes to the understanding of digital protest discourse in contemporary media cultures.