DOI:
10.55807/davar.v7i1.263Abstract
The development of digital technology and the digital economy has given rise to a culture of flexing as a symbol of a life blessed by God. In this context, blessing is often reduced to merely material standards, so that prosperity and materialism are perceived as evidence of achievement and success in life by Z generation. Such perceptions create significant concerns because they tend to marginalize the spiritual and relational dimensions of human existence. This study aims to explore how flexing and personal branding in digital spaces shape the redefinition of the meaning of blessings and success, using the framework of “digital prosperity.” The research employs a literature review with a thematic hermeneutic approach. The findings indicate that, within the digital prosperity, indicators of blessings and success are measured through visibility, performativity, and publicly consumable symbols of luxury. The primary manifestation of this redefinition is observed through flexing practices, highlighting the dominance of digital logic in shaping public perceptions of blessings and achievement.
Keywords: blessings, christian generation Z, digital economic ecosystem, flexing
Abstrak
Perkembangan teknologi digital dan ekonomi digital telah melahirkan budaya flexing sebagai simbol hidup yang diberkati Tuhan. Dalam konteks ini, berkat sering direduksi menjadi ukuran materi semata, sehingga kemakmuran dan materialistis dipersepsikan oleh Generasi Z sebagai bukti pencapaian dalam kehidupan. Persepsi tersebut justru menimbulkan persoalan karena mengesampingkan dimensi spiritual dan relasional. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengeksplorasi bagaimana flexing dan personal branding di ruang digital membentuk redefinisi makna berkat dan kesuksesan, menggunakan kerangka konsep “digital prosperity.” Metode yang digunakan adalah kajian pustaka dengan pendekatan tematik hermeneutika. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dalam digital prosperity, indikator berkat dan kesuksesan diukur melalui visibilitas, performativitas, dan simbol-simbol kemewahan yang dapat dikonsumsi publik. Manifestasi utama dari redefinisi tersebut terlihat melalui praktik flexing, yang menegaskan dominasi logika digital dalam membentuk persepsi publik tentang berkat dan keberhasilan.
Kata Kunci: berkat, generasi Z kristen, ekosistem ekonomi digital, flexing
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