Tanggung Jawab Hukum atas Jejak Digital dalam Budaya Viral di Media Sosial: Studi pada Siswa SMAN 12 Semarang

Abstract

This study discusses legal responsibility for digital footprints within the viral culture of social media among students at SMAN 12 Semarang. The rapid development of information technology has increased the intensity of social media use among adolescents, particularly through platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp. However, high social media activity is often not accompanied by adequate understanding of the legal consequences arising from digital footprints. This research aims to analyze the forms of digital footprints produced by students and to determine their level of legal awareness regarding digital activities in social media. The study employs a descriptive quantitative approach using survey methods through questionnaires distributed to high school students. The findings indicate that most students actively use social media and understand that digital footprints are permanent and can be traced. Nevertheless, there is still a gap between conceptual understanding and actual behavior, where many students continue to engage in impulsive actions driven by viral trends, social validation, and Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). Such behavior potentially leads to legal risks, including violations related to hoaxes, hate speech, and cyberbullying under Indonesian law. Therefore, strengthening digital legal literacy is necessary to encourage responsible, ethical, and law-conscious social media use among students.