The convergence of digital technology and information in the 4.0 revolution industry has given birth to a generation who grew up with devices, including both smartphones and computer devices (desktops, laptops). Well versed in the intricacies of social media, digital applications, and platforms, Generation Z (Gen Z), also known as the digital natives, is a demographic group born in late the 1990s and early 2000s. In the 21st century, they have become the largest group to access cyberspace.

more »

... interactions within cyberspace also affect their reading culture. Reading materials in the form of literature are also developing in the virtual world. This recent development raises certain questions. First, how does Gen Z appreciate literature in the midst of the frenzied information offered in cyberspace? Second, what kind of literature does this generation appreciate? These questions demand answers that are able to address a basic question: How does Gen Z appreciate literature in cyberspace? Based on Internet searches, some literary works that can be accessed by Gen Z, among others, are in the format of Wattpad and Webnovel. Thus, further questions arise, such as what is the tendency of literary works published in cyberspace? Who are the writers? These questions link literature in cyberspace, its readers, its authors, and the Wattpad and Webnovel forums themselves. Based on these matters, this article discusses various literary expressions in cyberspace and their varied tendencies, which can then be categorized into types of popular literature. Research results and studies show that literary works that appear in Wattpad and Webnovel formats include poetry, short stories, and serial stories. In addition, there are blogs that specialize in documenting literary works such as drama literature. Through readings in the Wattpatt and Webnovel forums, it was found that in cyberspace literary works, there are aspects of creativity and potential shown by Gen Z that underlie the potential for character formation, literary creativity, and innovation of the generation.