Revitalization of Aqidah and Moral Education for Generation Z in the Era of Over Information and Social Media: Islamic Character Development Strategy in the Flow of Digital Disruption

Abstract

n the era of digital disruption, Generation Z—individuals born between 1997 and 2012—faces significant challenges in maintaining strong faith (aqidah) and moral values due to the overwhelming flow of information and the pervasive influence of social media. This study aims to develop effective strategies for revitalizing Islamic character education, especially in the context of moral and religious formation amid the bombardment of unfiltered digital content. Employing a qualitative method through a systematic literature review, this research analyzes more than twenty scholarly works focusing on Islamic education, digital culture, and Generation Z’s moral development. Findings reveal that over-information, identity confusion, spiritual detachment, and distorted online ideologies pose serious threats to youth character building. The study emphasizes that Islamic character education must evolve by integrating digital literacy, contextual spiritual pedagogy, and family-school-community collaboration. Among the proposed strategies are using social media as a platform for interactive Islamic education, developing gamified moral content, embedding digital ethics into the curriculum, and mentoring by digitally literate religious figures. The literature suggests that traditional Islamic education needs to be complemented with modern approaches that engage the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of Gen Z learners. This integrative model is expected to cultivate resilient, ethically grounded, and spiritually aware individuals who are capable of navigating the digital world without compromising their Islamic values.