Bilimname

Öz

Social media has intricately integrated itself into the quotidian existence of individuals. This phenomenon is particularly salient among university students, who frequently find themselves profoundly immersed in these digital platforms. Social media not only provides access to a vast array of information and opportunities for interpersonal connection, but it also exerts multifaceted influences on their ethical and religious perspectives.
Within the context of Islam, the concepts of halal (what is deemed permissible) and haram (what is considered forbidden) are paramount in shaping individual conduct. Nevertheless, the manner in which these principles are manifested and their influence on the social media practices of university students represents a domain that has not been adequately explored. This study aims to understand university students' perceptions of digital privacy and their social media usage experiences based on the concepts of halal and haram. The study examines how individuals shape their understanding of privacy in the digital environment and the relationship between this understanding and religious values. In addition, it was analyzed how students interpret the content they encounter on social media from a halal-haram perspective and how these evaluations guide their usage habits.
Research Questions
The primary research inquiry is: “In what ways do university students' perspectives on halal and haram correlate with their engagement with social media?” Additional inquiries comprise:
"Could a student's interpretation of halal and haram influence their social media behaviors?"
"Does participation in social media alter students' comprehension of halal and haram?"
This study aspires to delve into these questions, intending to fill an academic void and to elucidate the complex interplay between social media engagement and religious principles.
Literature Review
Investigations into the relationship between social media and religious beliefs typically examine the broader implications for general faith and behavior. However, these studies do not specifically address the concepts of halal and haram. Halal and haram serve as foundational categories that govern daily life in Islam, influencing various facets such as consumption, social interactions, professional conduct, and privacy. Nonetheless, the investigation of how these concepts are shaped by the digital milieu and represented within social media remains insufficiently explored, thus rendering this study a distinctive contribution.
Methodology
Research Design
This research is a qualitative study that examines university students' perceptions of halal and haram in social media. Phenomenology design was used to analyze individuals' experiences and perceptions. This design enables sensitivity to be made sense of through individual experiences. Qualitative research offers insight into the phenomenon by analyzing a specific sample group in depth. The findings obtained cannot be directly generalized to a wide audience; however, they are evaluated in order to create meaning in a specific context and contribute to the field.
Study Group
The study group comprises 11 university students (6 female, 5 male) from Bartın University, all of whom emphasize their religious sensitivities in their social media engagement. Participants were selected using criterion sampling, specifically targeting individuals who actively consider halal-haram distinctions in their social media practices.
Data Collection and Analysis
Data was systematically gathered through semi-structured interviews conducted within an environment conducive to participant comfort, thereby ensuring meticulous documentation of all responses. The process of thematic analysis, facilitated the interpretation of the gathered data, culminating in the identification of salient themes, which comprise:
1. Purpose of Using Social Media,
2. Religious Perceptions and the Concepts of Halal-Haram,
3. The Effect of Halal-Haram Perception on Social Media Practices,
4. Digital Consumption and Time Waste in the Framework of Halal-Haram,
5. Digital Privacy and Halal-Haram Sensitivity.