Digital Men and Social Media: Unpacking the Reasons Behind Scrolling

https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v5i2.4409
Published: Jun 21, 2025

Abstract:

Purpose: This study explores the underlying motivations of male digital users in Indonesia for using social media platforms, particularly focusing on the interplay between entertainment, religious learning, social connection, information-seeking, and self-expression. The research aims to understand how cultural and religious contexts influence digital engagement among this demographic group.

Methodology/approach: A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed, involving in-depth interviews with 25 male social media users aged 18–30. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically using an inductive method. Techniques such as member checking and peer debriefing were applied to enhance credibility.

Results/findings: The findings reveal five overlapping motivations: (1) entertainment as emotional regulation and habit-forming behavior; (2) religious learning as spiritual reinforcement and identity expression; (3) social connection through online brotherhood and niche communities; (4) information-seeking driven by curiosity and personal growth; and (5) self-expression as a means of moral signaling and personal branding. These motivations are mediated by gender norms, religious values, and platform affordances.

Conclusions: Male digital users strategically utilize social media to fulfill emotional, spiritual, social, intellectual, and expressive needs. This behavior highlights the integration of technology with masculine identity and Islamic values in a digital context.

Limitations: The study is limited to urban settings in Java and focuses on a specific age group. It does not include platform usage logs or cross-platform comparisons.

Contribution: This research contributes to media and communication studies by offering a culturally grounded understanding of male digital behavior, expanding on Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT), Self-Determination Theory (SDT), and Social Identity Theory (SIT) in non-Western contexts.

Keywords:
1. Cultural Identity
2. Digital Media
3. Male Digital Users
4. Motivation
5. Religious Learning
6. Social Media
Authors:
1 . Alfa Taufan Latif
2 . Moh Jawahir
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How to Cite
Latif, A. T., & Jawahir, M. (2025). Digital Men and Social Media: Unpacking the Reasons Behind Scrolling. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial Dan Politik, 5(2), 277–289. https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v5i2.4409
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Issue & Section
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025): Desember
Articles
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References

    References

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    Alhabash, S., Smischney, T. M., Suneja, A., Nimmagadda, A., & White, L. R. (2024). So similar, yet so different: How motivations to use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok predict problematic use and use continuance intentions. Sage Open, 14(2), 21582440241255426. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241255426

    Ali, Z., Khan, S. A., Anwar, S., Fazal, I., & Ahmad, I. (2025). AI Algorithms and Their Influence on Consumer Trust in Social Media Advertising, Case Study of Pakistani Youth. Annual Methodological Archive Research Review, 3(5), 300-315. doi:https://doi.org/10.63075/09x19z92

    Anadza, H., & Pasopati, R. U. (2021). Globalization, Islam Nusantara, and contemporary character empowerment. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jshe.v1i2.372

    Anderson, I. A. (2024). Beyond Active and Passive Social Media Use: Habit Mechanisms Are Behind Frequent Posting and Scrolling on Twitter/X. University of Southern California.

    Anwar, K., & Mujib, A. (2022). Islamic faith-based content and religious social-media motives. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies, 9(1), 19-38. doi:https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/1024

    Barta, K., & Andalibi, N. (2024). Theorizing Self Visibility on Social Media: A Visibility Objects Lens. ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction, 31(3), 1-28. doi:https://doi.org/10.1145/3660337

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    Ewing, C. R., Nienstedt, C., Wright, R. R., & Chambers, S. (2023). Social Media Use Motives: An Influential Factor in User Behavior and User Health Profiles. Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research, 28(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.24839/2325-7342.jn28.4.275

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    Fauzaan, R. A. N., & Nurhadi, Z. F. (2025). Pengembangan Kreativitas dan Literasi Media Sosial Youtube melalui Konten Video Bagi Siswa. Jurnal Nusantara Mengabdi, 4(1), 31-39. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jnm.v4i1.3647

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    Hilman, C. (2025). Digital-based ?slamic religious education: a new orientation in enhancing student engagement and spiritual understanding. The Journal of Academic Science, 2(1), 53-65. doi:https://doi.org/10.59613/66eafx60

    Islam, G. (2014). Social identity theory Encyclopedia of critical psychology (pp. 1781-1783): Springer.

    Jalasi, A. B., & Ambad, S. N. A. (2020). Religiosity and Muslims' Intention to Visit Homestays: the Mediating Role of Attitude. Journal of Social, Humanity, and Education, 1(1), 53-65. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jshe.v1i1.359

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    Latif, A. T., & Setiawan, W. N. I. (2022). SOCIAL MEDIA AS A COMPLEMENTARY SOURCE FOR RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE. Paper presented at the Proceeding of International Conference on Islamic Education (ICIED).

    Masciantonio, A., & Bourguignon, D. (2023). Motivation scale for using social network sites: Comparative study between Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and LinkedIn. Psychologica Belgica, 63(1), 30. doi:https://doi.org/10.5334/pb.1161

    Nguyen, M. H. (2021). Managing social media use in an “always-on” society: Exploring digital wellbeing strategies that people use to disconnect. Mass Communication and Society, 24(6), 795-817. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/15205436.2021.1979045

    Rahman, S. A. Y., Rahayu, A., & Hendrayati, H. (2025). Digital marketing evolution: Understanding the role of AI and Big Data in shaping marketing strategies. International Journal of Financial, Accounting, and Management, 7(2), 197-211. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/ijfam.v7i2.2593

    Rayo, E. F., Rayo, N. M., & Mandagi, D. W. (2024). Social Media Marketing as a Key Determinant of Brand Gestalt and Brand Personality. Studi Ilmu Manajemen dan Organisasi, 5(2), 299-316. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/simo.v5i2.3542

    Roslan, M. H., Borhan, N. M., Ashaari, M. F., & Ghani, M. Z. A. (2025). The Viral Video Phenomenon Of Da’wa Influencers On Instagram: A Literaturer Review: Fenomena Video Tular Influencer Dakwah Di Instagram: Satu Sorotan Kajian. al-Qanatir: International Journal of Islamic Studies, 34(2), 19-35. doi:https://doi.org/10.64757/alqanatir.2025.3402/1084

    Salim, A., Jatnika, R., & Yudiana, W. (2023). Hubungan Fear of Missing out dengan Social Media Addiction pada Pengguna Instagram. Jurnal Ilmu Siber Dan Teknologi Digital, 2(1), 1-11. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jisted.v2i1.2372

    Stacks, D. W., Salwen, M. B., & Eichhorn, K. C. (2019). An integrated approach to communication theory and research. doi:https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203710753

    van Knippenberg, D. (2023). Developing the social identity theory of leadership: Leader agency in leader group prototypicality. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 17(4), e12739. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12739

    Zuboff, S., Longhofer, W., & Winchester, D. (2023). Social theory re-wired: Routledge London, UK

  1. References
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  3. Alhabash, S., Smischney, T. M., Suneja, A., Nimmagadda, A., & White, L. R. (2024). So similar, yet so different: How motivations to use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok predict problematic use and use continuance intentions. Sage Open, 14(2), 21582440241255426. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241255426
  4. Ali, Z., Khan, S. A., Anwar, S., Fazal, I., & Ahmad, I. (2025). AI Algorithms and Their Influence on Consumer Trust in Social Media Advertising, Case Study of Pakistani Youth. Annual Methodological Archive Research Review, 3(5), 300-315. doi:https://doi.org/10.63075/09x19z92
  5. Anadza, H., & Pasopati, R. U. (2021). Globalization, Islam Nusantara, and contemporary character empowerment. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jshe.v1i2.372
  6. Anderson, I. A. (2024). Beyond Active and Passive Social Media Use: Habit Mechanisms Are Behind Frequent Posting and Scrolling on Twitter/X. University of Southern California.
  7. Anwar, K., & Mujib, A. (2022). Islamic faith-based content and religious social-media motives. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies, 9(1), 19-38. doi:https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/1024
  8. Barta, K., & Andalibi, N. (2024). Theorizing Self Visibility on Social Media: A Visibility Objects Lens. ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction, 31(3), 1-28. doi:https://doi.org/10.1145/3660337
  9. Boyd-Barrett, O. (2021). Media imperialism The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Imperialism and Anti-Imperialism (pp. 1781-1795): Springer.
  10. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. doi:https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsqmip.2022.1.33.46
  11. Chiu, T. K., Sun, J. C.-Y., & Ismailov, M. (2022). Investigating the relationship of technology learning support to digital literacy from the perspective of self-determination theory. Educational Psychology, 42(10), 1263-1282. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/01443410.2022.2074966
  12. Ewing, C. R., Nienstedt, C., Wright, R. R., & Chambers, S. (2023). Social Media Use Motives: An Influential Factor in User Behavior and User Health Profiles. Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research, 28(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.24839/2325-7342.jn28.4.275
  13. Falgoust, G., Winterlind, E., Moon, P., Parker, A., Zinzow, H., & Madathil, K. C. (2022). Applying the uses and gratifications theory to identify motivational factors behind young adult's participation in viral social media challenges on TikTok. Human Factors in Healthcare, 2, 100014. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hfh.2022.100014
  14. Fauzaan, R. A. N., & Nurhadi, Z. F. (2025). Pengembangan Kreativitas dan Literasi Media Sosial Youtube melalui Konten Video Bagi Siswa. Jurnal Nusantara Mengabdi, 4(1), 31-39. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jnm.v4i1.3647
  15. Gagné, M., Parker, S. K., Griffin, M. A., Dunlop, P. D., Knight, C., Klonek, F. E., & Parent-Rocheleau, X. (2022). Understanding and shaping the future of work with self-determination theory. Nature Reviews Psychology, 1(7), 378-392. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-022-00056-w
  16. Guay, F. (2022). Applying self-determination theory to education: Regulations types, psychological needs, and autonomy supporting behaviors. Canadian Journal of School Psychology, 37(1), 75-92. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/08295735211055355
  17. Hilman, C. (2025). Digital-based ?slamic religious education: a new orientation in enhancing student engagement and spiritual understanding. The Journal of Academic Science, 2(1), 53-65. doi:https://doi.org/10.59613/66eafx60
  18. Islam, G. (2014). Social identity theory Encyclopedia of critical psychology (pp. 1781-1783): Springer.
  19. Jalasi, A. B., & Ambad, S. N. A. (2020). Religiosity and Muslims' Intention to Visit Homestays: the Mediating Role of Attitude. Journal of Social, Humanity, and Education, 1(1), 53-65. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jshe.v1i1.359
  20. Latif, A. T., & Kuntoro, D. (2025). Faith in the Digital Age: The Impact of Religious Influencers on Followers’ Religious Engagement. Innovative: Journal Of Social Science Research, 5(2), 3396-3405. doi:https://doi.org/10.31004/innovative.v5i2.18723
  21. Latif, A. T., & Setiawan, W. N. I. (2022). SOCIAL MEDIA AS A COMPLEMENTARY SOURCE FOR RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE. Paper presented at the Proceeding of International Conference on Islamic Education (ICIED).
  22. Masciantonio, A., & Bourguignon, D. (2023). Motivation scale for using social network sites: Comparative study between Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and LinkedIn. Psychologica Belgica, 63(1), 30. doi:https://doi.org/10.5334/pb.1161
  23. Nguyen, M. H. (2021). Managing social media use in an “always-on” society: Exploring digital wellbeing strategies that people use to disconnect. Mass Communication and Society, 24(6), 795-817. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/15205436.2021.1979045
  24. Rahman, S. A. Y., Rahayu, A., & Hendrayati, H. (2025). Digital marketing evolution: Understanding the role of AI and Big Data in shaping marketing strategies. International Journal of Financial, Accounting, and Management, 7(2), 197-211. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/ijfam.v7i2.2593
  25. Rayo, E. F., Rayo, N. M., & Mandagi, D. W. (2024). Social Media Marketing as a Key Determinant of Brand Gestalt and Brand Personality. Studi Ilmu Manajemen dan Organisasi, 5(2), 299-316. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/simo.v5i2.3542
  26. Roslan, M. H., Borhan, N. M., Ashaari, M. F., & Ghani, M. Z. A. (2025). The Viral Video Phenomenon Of Da’wa Influencers On Instagram: A Literaturer Review: Fenomena Video Tular Influencer Dakwah Di Instagram: Satu Sorotan Kajian. al-Qanatir: International Journal of Islamic Studies, 34(2), 19-35. doi:https://doi.org/10.64757/alqanatir.2025.3402/1084
  27. Salim, A., Jatnika, R., & Yudiana, W. (2023). Hubungan Fear of Missing out dengan Social Media Addiction pada Pengguna Instagram. Jurnal Ilmu Siber Dan Teknologi Digital, 2(1), 1-11. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jisted.v2i1.2372
  28. Stacks, D. W., Salwen, M. B., & Eichhorn, K. C. (2019). An integrated approach to communication theory and research. doi:https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203710753
  29. van Knippenberg, D. (2023). Developing the social identity theory of leadership: Leader agency in leader group prototypicality. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 17(4), e12739. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12739
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