Hubungan Persepsi Friends with Benefits (FWB) dengan Perilaku Seksual pada Kalangan Generasi Z di Media Sosial "X" Tahun 2025

Abstract

The phenomenon of friends with benefits (FWB) is increasingly prevalent among generation Z, especially in the era of X social media, which provides open space for discussions and the practice of such relationships. Although considered as personal relationship choice, FWB has the potential to cause negative consequences, both emotionally and on reproductive health. The perception examined in this study consists two aspects: knowledge (cognitive) and attitude (affective). Based on initial survey of 20 generation Z on X, indicated that they tends to have high knowledge and attitude of agreement toward FWB, as well as engaging in risky sexual behavior. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between FWB perceptions and sexual behavior among generation Z on X social media in 2025. This study applied a quantitative method with cross-sectional approach. Data were collected using online questionnaire (google form) distributed to 240 respondents, selected through systematic sampling, who represented generation Z (born 1997–2012). The results of study indicate that there is a relationship between FWB perception—both in cognitive (p= 0.043) and affective (p= 0.039)—and sexual behavior among generation Z on X social media in 2025. However, there is gap between knowledge and sexual behavior, where even though generation Z has high knowledge, it does not completely prevent involvement in sexual behavior. Meanwhile, attitude of agreement or openness toward FWB strongly influenced involvement in sexual behavior. Social media plays major role in shaping these perceptions through contents and the normalization of FWB. Therefore, it is recommended that generation Z actively engage in reproductive health education through interactive webinars and digital campaigns on social media, as well as participate in self-care programs and safe sexual practices. Communities are also encouraged to provide supportive spaces for discussion and preventive education through forums, health workshops, and positive social activities.