INVESTIGATING IDENTITY CONSTRUCTION IN SOCIAL MEDIA

ABSTRACT This research delves into the intricate interplay between social media usage and identity construction, employing discourse analysis as the primary methodological lens. With platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and others serving as vital arenas for self-expression, the ways in which individuals articulate, perform, and negotiate their identities in these digital landscapes warrant critical scrutiny. Therefore, we hope to investigate the mechanisms of identity construction, including the linguistic and visual strategies used by individuals to present themselves online. The study opens a clearer understanding while offering intersectionality of identities, understanding how various aspects such as race, gender, sexuality and socio-economic influence and also add empirical impact of platforms architecture and algorithmic structures on identity visibility towards raising identity construction in social media for broader societal narrative, particularly concerning issues of representation and authenticity. The finding reveal that social media plays a significant role in shaping identity with participant using these platforms to curate idealized online personas, seek validation and connect with others. The study highlights positive impacts of social media on identity construction including opportunities for self-expression and community building. The results have implications for understanding the dynamic nature of identity in the digital age.