MAKNA SMARTPHONE BAGI GENERASI Z DI ERA PANDEMI COVID-19

This study examines the Meaning of Smartphones for Generation Z in the Era of the Covid-19 Pandemic at SMA Negeri 3 Balikpapan. Currently smartphones have experienced very rapid progress, some of the uses of smartphones include as a entertainment, playing games, exchanging news and information and various other functions. This research uses qualitative approaches and types of phenomenological research. Subject determination techniques use purposive sampling. Berokasi at SMA Negeri 3 Balikpapan. Data collection used is by observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis used according to Miles, Huberman, and Saldana (2014) is data condensation, data presentation, and drawing conclusion. This research uses the symbolic interaction theory of George Herber Mead where Mead explains that every interaction that occurs in society is influenced by the mind self and society. In this study, the meaning possessed by generation z about smartphones is influenced by the environment of people who are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. In this study it was found that smartphones owned by generation z are not only used as a means of communication but also used as a means for various things such as means of finding additional pocket money, self-actualization and even the smartphone they have is also useful as a means