The Role Of Youtube Social Media In Constructing Religious Understanding Among Generation Z Female Students (UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh)

The development of digital technology has fundamentally transformed the way people access and understand religious values, particularly among Generation Z, who have grown up as digital natives. As one of the most widely used social media platforms, YouTube has emerged as a new space for the construction of religious understanding. According to the 2026 We Are Social report, 80.3% of Indonesian internet users access YouTube at least once a month, with a total of 180 million active users. This phenomenon highlights the urgency of examining how the platform contributes to shaping students’ religious understanding. This study aims to investigate the role of YouTube social media in constructing religious understanding among Generation Z, particularly female students at UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, and to analyze how YouTube religious content is utilized as a reference for understanding Islamic teachings. The study employed a qualitative approach using a case study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using purposive sampling techniques involving female students born between 1997 and 2012 who actively consume religious content on YouTube. Data analysis was conducted through three stages: data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that YouTube functions as a complementary medium rather than the primary source in the construction of religious understanding among Generation Z female students. The externalization process is reflected in students’ active engagement in searching for and sharing religious content. The objectification process occurs when content is evaluated based on the credibility and scholarly background of the preachers. Meanwhile, the internalization process is demonstrated through changes in attitudes, behavior, and broader religious perspectives after consuming YouTube content.