In today's digital era, social media has become a stage where teenagers often compete to stand out. Unfortunately, many choose to do so by posting content that lacks educational or meaningful value. Sensational, provocative, or extravagant content tends to attract more attention from users, while thoughtful and beneficial posts are often labeled as boring and overlooked.
So, does gaining popularity on social media require sacrificing one’s values for the sake of trends? This is the central question explored in the short film “Kaset Pita”, directed by Joshua Michael — a work that won the Gold Medal at the 2024 Festival Lomba Seni Siswa Nasional (FLS2N), one of Indonesia's most prestigious student art competitions organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology.
Damar and the Moral Dilemma of a Teenager
“Kaset Pita” tells the story of Damar, a teenage boy who dreams of becoming a famous content creator. Despite his efforts to share meaningful content, Damar receives negative comments and criticism from netizens who find his posts uninteresting. Frustrated and disheartened, Damar is tempted to follow viral trends, such as flaunting wealth and creating flashy content.
Just before uploading one such video, however, he feels an inner discomfort — a strong sense that this is not who he truly is. He decides to hold back and instead looks for inspiration that aligns with his values. Damar turns to his cultural roots, learning to play Serdam, a traditional wind instrument from Lampung. He shares his journey through social media, and unexpectedly, his content receives widespread appreciation, even gaining attention from international audiences.
From that point forward, Damar chooses to stay true to himself by consistently creating content that is educational, inspiring, and culturally rich.
A Conflict Between Idealism and Social Pressure
The film vividly portrays a universal conflict experienced by today’s youth: the tension between personal idealism and social pressure. Damar represents the idealism — the desire to share meaningful content — while the criticism and mockery from social media users embody the pressure to conform to prevailing trends.
The story sheds light on how powerful social media can be in shaping behavior. Teenagers, who are often in the process of forming their identity, are particularly vulnerable. The fear of missing out or being left behind can lead them to abandon their values and follow the crowd, even when it contradicts their true selves.
The Influence and Potential of Social Media
