Individualism as Threat to Patriotism: An Outlook on Students as Social Media User

Abstract

The aims of this paper is to investigate the perception of patriotism concept among students who also a social media user and how the individualism values can possibly be a threat to patriotic values among them. Data collected using qualitative research methods by implementing convenience sampling methods. A total of six students were involved in the interview session. The findings of the research suggested that the informants agreed the most common concept of patriotism are  pride and love towards the country and individualism has connection with freedom of speech, autonomy and uniqueness. The spreading and sharing of global values that fought personal rights more important than the right of the community through the internet and the social media caused the erosion of patriotism in modern society but not necessary give impact to their patriotic values. Freedom to respond, use and commenting in social media including sensitive issues like race and religion give new challenges to the unity of the Malaysian people. Therefore, existence of the patriotism is an important medium in defending a country with its own identity.