Collective Representations of the Thai Dating Community: Space and Power on Social Media
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/jlapsu.2024.12Keywords:
Dating Community, Facebook, Representation, Social Media, ThailandAbstract
Online social networks serve as virtual platforms for people to connect over shared goals and interests, including the search for a partner. This study explored the self-presentation patterns of individuals actively seeking partners via social networks, particularly using representative images, and examined the implications of these patterns for understanding modern social and cultural dynamics. Using qualitative methods, the research analyzed content from partner-seeking groups on Facebook in Thailand, with data collected over four months, from August to December 2023. The analysis primarily utilized the concepts of representation and social phenomena as reflected through social media to interpret the data. Six distinct self-presentation patterns were identified, namely idealized personal scenarios, images evoking sympathy through perceived limitations, the portrayal of ordinary people seeking true love, provocative attire and poses, gender diversity, and cross-cultural representations. The reflection of social phenomena through dating group communication on Facebook revealed ten patterns: hope in 'true love online' is real, disbelief in the existence of 'true love online', love based on benefits and deception, equality in the virtual world, negotiation space, mutual vigilance and surveillance, spaces to alleviate loneliness, platforms for exchange, encouragement, and advice, sexual harassment, and media literacy phenomenon.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Areewan Hussadin, Suchanwud Kingkaew
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