Analysis of Gen-Z’s Reception on Identity Crisis Messages in Billie Eilish’s Music Video “What Was I Made For”

Abstract

            Identity crisis is a significant issue among Generation Z, who are in the midst of searching for self-identity and life purpose. Social expectations and the need for validation serve as core factors contributing to the emergence of identity crisis. As a form of mass communication, music videos have the potential to function as a medium of validation for such conditions. This study analyzes Generation Z’s reception of the identity crisis message in Billie Eilish’s music video What Was I Made For? using Stuart Hall’s reception analysis method to categorize audience interpretations.

The findings indicate that the majority of informants adopt a dominant-hegemonic position, as the depiction of identity crisis characteristics in the video is interpreted affirmatively by each participant. The reception is influenced by various factors, including belief systems, family dynamics, occupational demands, and cultural background. These findings affirm that music videos can serve as an effective medium for articulating identity-related concerns among Generation Z, while simultaneously contributing to identity formation.