Reconstructing Generation Z's Digital Identity: Self-Presentation and Impression Management Strategies in Second Account Instagram

Authors

  • Muhammad Alkhahfi Akhmad Faculty of Social and Political Science, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
  • M Ramli At Faculty of Social and Political Science, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
  • Sawedi Muhammad Faculty of Social and Political Science, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia

Keywords:

Second Instagram Accounts, Digital Identity Reconstruction, Self-Presentation and Impression Management Strategies

Abstract

This study examines how Generation Z reconstructs digital identities through secondary Instagram accounts, revealing complex strategies of self-presentation and impression management. By integrating mixed-methods research, the investigation explores how young individuals negotiate authenticity, privacy, and self-expression across digital platforms.

Mixed-method analysis, combining quantitative Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with qualitative thematic investigation, uncovers significant differences in self-presentation between primary and secondary accounts. Participants strategically utilize secondary accounts as spaces of liberated self-expression, circumventing the normative constraints of their primary digital personas.

Key findings demonstrate that secondary accounts serve as instrumental platforms for more genuine self-representation. Participants employ nuanced tactics to express marginalized opinions, emotions, and lifestyle dimensions typically suppressed in mainstream social media contexts. These digital spaces enable a more authentic negotiation of identity, characterized by strategic boundary management and contextual self-disclosure.

The research illuminates Generation Z's sophisticated approach to digital identity construction, revealing how young individuals navigate complex social dynamics through platform-specific self-presentation strategies. By examining these intricate identity reconstruction processes, the study contributes critical insights into contemporary digital culture, social media practices, and generational approaches to online self-representation.

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Published

2024-12-10

How to Cite

Akhmad, M. A. ., At, M. R. ., & Muhammad, S. . (2024). Reconstructing Generation Z’s Digital Identity: Self-Presentation and Impression Management Strategies in Second Account Instagram. Thammasat Review, 27(2), 335–350. retrieved from https://sc01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tureview/article/view/240926