The Lack of Empathy Among Teenagers in Pekanbaru

This study aims to measure the level of empathy among adolescents in Pekanbaru and identify the factors that influence low empathy among them. This study used a quantitative method with a descriptive approach. The study sample included 349 adolescents from the ages of 12 to 18 who attended school in Pekanbaru. The sampling technique used was quota sampling, ensuring that the sample represented various social and educational groups in Pekanbaru. The data collection method used the Empathy Scale developed by Jolliffe and Farrington, which measures two main dimensions: cognitive empathy and affective empathy. The collected data were analysed quantitatively using descriptive statistics to describe the distribution of empathy levels and linear regression analysis to determine the influence of factors such as social media use, academic pressure, and social interaction on adolescents’ empathy levels. The results showed that the majority of adolescents in Pekanbaru have low levels of empathy, especially in the affective empathy dimension. Factors such as excessive social media use and academic pressure are significantly associated with low empathy among adolescents. This study recommends interventions involving education in schools and family support to raise awareness about the importance of empathy development.