When Private Pain Becomes Public Spectacle: Oversharing and the Ethics of Social Media

In the age of social media, personal pain can quickly become public spectacle. The case of Meidy Saskia and her parents highlights the complex relationship between Gen Z’s need for recognition, the ethics of oversharing, and the pursuit of justice. Drawing on the philosophies of Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, and Jürgen Habermas, this article explores the boundaries between openness and privacy, empathy and judgment, and public disclosure and accountability. Ultimately, digital maturity lies not in silencing personal stories, but in listening with empathy, evaluating claims responsibly, and respecting human dignity.