Author: Rohman, Farha Yashmin
Publication Year: 2023
Keywords: Portrayal of Identity on Facebook,student leaders in Assam
Abstract: Facebook appears to be the most popular cyber hangout for the youngsters in India. According to the data released by the leading statistics database, Statista, India has now 290 million active social media users spending majority of their screen time on social media. Youngsters are trying to build their own identities on social media, through self-presentation with hallmarks of identity creation, impression management and presentation of self-centered content. Impression management plays a vital role in political communication among the youth. It helps them in self-presentation of their ideologies and attributes of leadership that make them unique among others.
The aim of this study is to study the identity portrayal of student leaders on Facebook from the student's perspective investigating if there is any difference in their identities in the real and virtual world. This study explores the usage patterns of Facebook among the students and their student leaders' portrayal of identities on Facebook. The study determines the impact of Facebook and its influences in the thought process of selecting their leaders in the student's election. The study throws light in the political communication processes of the student. leaders' identity portrayal in Facebook and its influences on the voting behaviour of students This study justifies the usage patterns of Facebook and its impact on the political communication meted out by the student leaders in the universities.
The current research study is to describe the change in self-presentation of student leaders virtually and physically. The study is to describe the connection between the student leaders' Facebook identity and their influence on students voting behavior. Hence, the study is descriptive in nature where quantitative methodology has been employed by using survey as its method. The source of data were collected through primary mode of data collection from the under-graduate and post-graduate in-campus students studying in Dibrugarh University. Assam University, Cotton State University, and Gauhati University. The data are collected. from the students pursuing under the faculties of science and social sciences.
This study is based on the theory of communication, Self-Presentation by Erving Goffman. Facebook provides us with one of the means of asserting ourselves and obtaining meaningful feedback from others in new and fresh surroundings. Student leaders use the opportunity to communicate their image to other people, as well as the responses of others must influence a student's self-sense. Self-reflection is part of self-presentation process also influences how college student leaders view themselves. The structure of one's Facebook audience changes as one progresses through college, with many new college friends by the conclusion of the semester.
Facebook has a massive impact on student leaders' self-presentation on Facebook during the student council's electoral process. As youth plays an important role in defining the scenario of student politics, the process of political communication among the University going students comprising the age group of 18-29 years are actively involved in student politics. Since Assam is one of the core parts of student politics in India, it was necessary to highlight the impact of social media, especially Facebook on the students. Hence, it was found that Facebook has a robust influence on student politics among the University going students with its usage intensification. This study also reflects the online campaigning strategies by the student leaders and debating with their competitors encourages the student followers to take part in the communication by viewing, commenting, and reacting to their updates enthusiastically.
Guide: N Rohinkanta and Sonowal, Rupa Rani
University: The Assam Royal Global University
Shodh Ganga Link: View Thesis
Category: Social Media
View All Theses Back to Home