Menemukan Diri di Era Digital: Ontologi Kebebasan Generasi Z dalam Sorotan Eksistensialisme Karl Jaspers

Abstract

Throughout the history of human civilization, freedom has been a central concern of existentialist thought in the quest for illuminating human existence. In Karl Theodor Jaspers’ philosophy, true existence can only be realized through one’s relationship with the Transcendent. According to Jaspers, authentic existence involves an awareness of human limitations, suffering, and boundary situations, which ultimately open the way toward freedom through transcendence. This article aims to map the ontological meaning of freedom in Jaspers’ existential thought and to contextualize it within the contemporary condition of Generation Z, who live amidst the overwhelming presence of the digital world. This generation faces a paradox of freedom: on the one hand, they have unlimited access to information and choices, yet on the other, they often experience disorientation of meaning, alienation, and identity crises. Using a library research method and a holistic-analytical approach, this article concludes that true freedom for Generation Z cannot merely be understood as freedom of choice, but must be grasped as existential freedom the capacity to decide one’s life authentically in openness to the Transcendent. In this context, the symbols (chiffer) offered by digital culture must be critically and reflectively interpreted, rather than passively consumed. Thus, Jaspers’ existential awareness may serve as a foundation for Generation Z to attain genuine freedom amid the complexities of the digital age.