The rise of social media usage has created new opportunities for individuals and groups to express their cultural identities in digital spaces. This study focuses on the experiences of the Pecinan community in Semarang in expressing their Chinese ethnic identity through social media. While previous research has highlighted the discrimination faced by Chinese Indonesians, their approaches to navigating identity in the digital world remain underexplored. Most prior studies have also overlooked the role of online communities and the impact of social media technologies on identity expression. This research employs a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach, analyzing in-depth interviews with three participants to understand their strategies, motivations, and experiences. The analysis reveals that the increasing willingness to disclose identity on social media is influenced by factors such as community support, technological advancements, and the evolution of social acceptance. The findings demonstrate that identity expression serves not only as a tool to combat discrimination but also as a means to build social connections and enhance self-confidence. This study contributes to understanding how social media facilitates cultural identity negotiation in a multicultural society. The findings offer valuable insights into the dynamics of intercultural relationships and the potential of social media to support identity communication in the digital age.

Authors:
Mimma Azzali, Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia

About the Presenter(s)
Mimma Azzali is a Communication graduate student at Gadjah Mada University, focusing on media, culture, and identity. Her current research explores how Chinese Indonesians use social media to fight discrimination and reclaim cultural space.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mimma-azzali-ba9980234/

Additional website of interest
https://www.instagram.com/mimma.azzali/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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