Author(s): Kurniawan, Tezza Adriansyah Anwar
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of millennial knowledge on the decision to follow health protocols when hanging out with friends. The research data were obtained using observation, interviews and questionnaires to millennials in Sukabumi. The research population is millennials who have hang out with friends in cafe. The questionnaire was distributed with 150 respondents on 9 cafes. Purposive sampling technique used for the data collection. Path analysis with Lisrel 9.30 was also used to test the hypothesis. Millennials have good subjective and objective knowledge regarding the Covid-19 virus. They also understand that implementing health protocols can minimize the spread of the virus. However, they will still hang out with friends even though the implementation of health protocols is difficult. Subjective and objective knowledge are not related to the decision to implement health protocols. The main reason it is difficult to follow health protocols is due to unfamiliarity. Apart from that, the reasons for the feelings of uneasiness and fear of offending friends when gathered are also the reasons. In addition, it is less comfortable to use masks and be far apart when gathering. Another reason is the lack of awareness caused by socialization that is not well targeted to millennials. Therefore, it is necessary to improve socialization and media strategies and the right message. Information should also be provided using real examples. Furthermore, it is necessary to be firm with government officials in taking action against violators. There is also a need for consistency in enforcing health protocols so that people are forced to implement them.