THE MORALS OF THE YOUNGER GENERATION IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN THE DIGITAL ERA, VIEWED FROM AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The rapid growth of the digital age has significantly transformed the economic activities of the younger generation, particularly those aged 18–30 years. Young people are increasingly involved in social media commerce, online buying and selling, freelancing, and other forms of digital entrepreneurship. While these developments offer greater flexibility and economic opportunities, they also raise serious concerns about the decline of moral principles such as honesty, accountability, and justice in digital economic practices. The absence of face-to-face interaction, combined with anonymity and intense competition, often creates ethical challenges that are difficult for young people to navigate. This study examines the moral behavior of young individuals engaged in digital economic activities from an Islamic perspective. It highlights key Islamic ethical values, including adl (justice), amanah (trustworthiness), ihsan (excellence in conduct), and tawhid (the unity and consciousness of God), as essential foundations for ethical economic behavior. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study collected data through 20 in-depth interviews and a survey of 350 young participants actively involved in the digital economy. The findings reveal that although most participants possess basic knowledge of Islamic moral values, many struggle to consistently apply these principles in digital environments. Factors such as peer pressure, lack of ethical guidance, and limited understanding of how Islamic ethics relate to digital practices contribute to this gap. The study concludes that integrating Islamic ethical teachings into digital literacy and economic education programs can help address these challenges. By doing so, ethical awareness and responsible behavior among young digital economic actors can be strengthened. This research contributes valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and community leaders seeking to promote morally grounded participation in the digital economy.