The Role of Teacher Interpersonal Communication in Overcoming Exposure to Anomaly Brainrot Content in the Generation Alpha at Muhammadiyah 36 Elementary School Medan
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This research is motivated by the rise of the phenomenon of brainrot anomaly content that displays low-quality digital content in the form of short videos with absurd visuals, music, and language that has become a favorite and regular viewing for children belonging to the Alpha Generation. Brainrot anomaly content has a negative impact in the form of decreased cognitive abilities, affecting children's mental and social conditions. Interpersonal communication is the most important way to overcome and stop negative exposure to this content. This study aims to determine and analyze the role and supporting factors and obstacles of interpersonal communication of teachers at Muhammadiyah 36 Elementary School Medan in overcoming exposure to brainrot anomaly content in the alpha generation. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method with the application of FIRO (Fundamental Interpersonal Relationship Orientation) communication theory. The results of the study show that teachers fulfill the implementation of three personal needs based on FIRO theory, namely (1) Inclusion, teachers recognize student behavior and ensure that exposed students feel neither isolated nor judged, then given the right direction and education. (2) Control, teachers ensure and monitor students consistently and evaluate student changes to leave watching brainrot anomaly content. (3) Affection, teachers prioritize care and affection to maintain interpersonal relationships so that students are more receptive to direction. The main supporting factors lie in interpersonal relationships and competence through communication by teachers and the availability of resources and support from the school. Inhibiting factors in this case lie in the literacy gap between senior teachers and parents and the lack of full control by teachers over students' digital activities outside the school environment. Based on the data obtained and in-depth studies, it can be concluded that the Role of Teachers' Interpersonal Communication has an important influence in overcoming exposure to brainrot anomalous content in the alpha generation at Muhammadiyah 36 Elementary School Medan by recognizing and accepting, educating, controlling with full attention, and evaluating as an application of the FIRO theory which prioritizes the fulfillment of three personal needs in interpersonal communication practices.
Institution: Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7224691201