Self-Control, Financial Behavior, and Financial Attitudes on Financial Management among Generation Z: The Role of Social Media as a Moderating Variable

Abstract

Financial management is an essential skill for Generation Z (Gen Z) in addressing economic challenges in the digital era. This study examines the effects of self-control, financial behavior, and financial attitudes on the financial management practices of Gen Z, while also investigating whether social media serves as a moderating factor in these relationships. Using a quantitative research approach, data were collected from 183 respondents aged 17–25 years through a Likert-scale questionnaire. The data were evaluated using validity and reliability tests, assumption testing, multiple linear regression analysis, and Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). The findings showed that self-control, financial behavior, and financial attitudes each exert a positive and statistically significant influence on financial management. Collectively, these variables also contribute significantly to explaining financial management outcomes. However, social media does not significantly moderate any of these relationships. The results suggest that personal characteristics and behavioral factors are more influential in creating the financial management of Gen Z than exposure to social media. Therefore, financial education initiatives should prioritize the development of self-control, responsible financial behavior, and constructive financial attitudes.