ALAY'S USE OF LANGUAGE AMONG GENERATION Z: IDENTITY, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND RESISTANCE TO LINGUISTIC NORMS

Abstract

The phenomenon of Alay language reflects the changing ways Generation Z communicates in the digital era. Emerging from youth creativity on social media, this language serves not only as a communication tool but also as a marker of identity and self-expression. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, this study analyzes various forms of Alay language across digital platforms and reviews related literature from national and international journals. The findings reveal distinct features such as the use of numbers to replace letters, random capitalization, and word shortening—patterns that highlight the social identity and lifestyle of the digital generation. However, when this informal style enters formal settings like education or the workplace, it raises concerns about declining mastery of standard language and reduced linguistic discipline. Still, the Alay language can be viewed as a natural adaptation to social and technological change, as well as a subtle form of resistance to rigid language norms. Thus, promoting digital language literacy that balances grammatical accuracy with creative expression is essential to ensure that Indonesian remains dynamic, inclusive, and culturally relevant in the digital age.