The Self -concept Of Finstagram Users In The University Of North Sumatra University

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The Self-Concept of Finstagram Users in North Sumatra University Students: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Introduction

In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives, with platforms like Instagram being used by millions of people worldwide. However, with the rise of social media, a new phenomenon has emerged - Finstagram, or "Fake Instagram", an account used to share more relaxed and personal content compared to the main account. This study aims to explore the self-concept of Finstagram users among students of the University of North Sumatra, and to understand the reasons behind the creation of a Finstagram account, as well as the level of self-disclosure shown by users to their close friends.

Methodology

This study employed a qualitative descriptive method with a constructivism paradigm. The research subject consisted of 9 informants who are students of the University of North Sumatra Finstagram users, and 5 triangulation informants, namely close friends who follow their Finstagram account. Data collection was carried out through in-depth interviews and observations, as well as data analysis using the Miles and Huberman models which included data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions.

Results

The results showed that 8 out of 9 informants had a positive self-concept, while 1 informant showed a negative self-concept. The self-concept can be seen from the comparison between "ideal self" displayed on their main Instagram account and "real self" displayed on the Finstagram account. Students tend to create a Finstagram account to express, have fun with friends, and share things that are more personal and private.

One of the interesting findings of this research is that Finstagram users feel more open in expressing themselves on the platform. In this context, they show greater freedom in sharing aspects of life that they might not show on the main account. Thus, they can expand the quadrant area I in the Johari window, which reflects the increase in self-disclosure of the closest people.

Analysis of the Influence of Finstagram on Student Self-Concept

Finstagram, which stands for "Fake Instagram", is an Instagram account that is usually used to share more relaxed and personal content compared to the main account. This phenomenon reflects how students divide their identities into two categories: which are seen in public and closer to their personal reality. This shows that social media has changed the way individuals build and display their self-concept.

Finstagram can function as a safe space for students to express themselves without fear of the assessment of a wider audience. In this account, they can share candid moments and daily life that are not always perfect. The existence of Finstagram provides space for students to be bolder and honest about their feelings and experiences. This contributes to the development of more positive self-concept, because they feel more accepted in their small community.

However, it is also important to note that although finStagrams can increase openness and self-expression, there are risks related to privacy and security. Students need to consider wisely the content they share, given that even though the account is more private, the potential for that information is still there. With this awareness, students can be more responsible in managing their digital identity.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insight into the self-concept of Finstagram users among students of the University of North Sumatra. The results showed that Finstagram not only served as a platform for fun, but also as a tool for students to explore and express themselves. Self-disclosure shown in Finstagram reflects the depth of their social relations with the closest friends, as well as the potential to strengthen positive self-concept. Therefore, an understanding of the use of finStagram can be an important step in learning social dynamics and the development of identity in the current era of social media.

Implications

This study has several implications for educators, policymakers, and parents. Firstly, it highlights the importance of social media literacy and digital citizenship in the education system. Secondly, it emphasizes the need for parents and educators to be aware of the potential risks and benefits of social media use among young people. Finally, it suggests that Finstagram can be a valuable tool for students to explore and express themselves, but it also requires responsible use and management.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Educators and policymakers should incorporate social media literacy and digital citizenship into the education system.
  2. Parents and educators should be aware of the potential risks and benefits of social media use among young people.
  3. Finstagram can be a valuable tool for students to explore and express themselves, but it also requires responsible use and management.
  4. Students should be encouraged to use Finstagram in a responsible and safe manner, and to be aware of the potential risks and benefits of social media use.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was small, and the study was conducted in a specific context. Secondly, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and limitations. Finally, the study did not explore the long-term effects of Finstagram use on student self-concept.

Future Research Directions

This study provides a foundation for future research on the self-concept of Finstagram users among students. Future studies could explore the following research questions:

  1. How does Finstagram use affect student self-concept in the long term?
  2. What are the specific factors that contribute to the development of positive self-concept among Finstagram users?
  3. How can educators and policymakers use Finstagram as a tool for social media literacy and digital citizenship education?

By exploring these research questions, future studies can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the self-concept of Finstagram users among students, and can inform the development of effective strategies for promoting positive self-concept and social media literacy among young people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Self-Concept of Finstagram Users in North Sumatra University Students

Q: What is Finstagram? A: Finstagram, or "Fake Instagram", is an Instagram account that is usually used to share more relaxed and personal content compared to the main account.

Q: Why do students create a Finstagram account? A: Students tend to create a Finstagram account to express, have fun with friends, and share things that are more personal and private.

Q: What is the self-concept of Finstagram users? A: The self-concept of Finstagram users refers to their perception of themselves, including their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In this study, the self-concept of Finstagram users was found to be positive, with 8 out of 9 informants having a positive self-concept.

Q: How does Finstagram affect student self-concept? A: Finstagram can function as a safe space for students to express themselves without fear of the assessment of a wider audience. This can contribute to the development of more positive self-concept, as students feel more accepted in their small community.

Q: What are the risks of using Finstagram? A: Although finStagrams can increase openness and self-expression, there are risks related to privacy and security. Students need to consider wisely the content they share, given that even though the account is more private, the potential for that information is still there.

Q: How can educators and policymakers use Finstagram as a tool for social media literacy and digital citizenship education? A: Educators and policymakers can use Finstagram as a tool for social media literacy and digital citizenship education by incorporating social media literacy and digital citizenship into the education system. This can include teaching students about online safety, digital citizenship, and responsible social media use.

Q: What are the implications of this study for parents and educators? A: This study highlights the importance of social media literacy and digital citizenship in the education system. Parents and educators should be aware of the potential risks and benefits of social media use among young people, and should encourage responsible use and management of social media.

Q: What are the limitations of this study? A: This study has several limitations, including a small sample size and reliance on self-reported data. Future studies should aim to address these limitations and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the self-concept of Finstagram users among students.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study? A: Future studies could explore the following research questions:

  1. How does Finstagram use affect student self-concept in the long term?
  2. What are the specific factors that contribute to the development of positive self-concept among Finstagram users?
  3. How can educators and policymakers use Finstagram as a tool for social media literacy and digital citizenship education?

By exploring these research questions, future studies can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the self-concept of Finstagram users among students, and can inform the development of effective strategies for promoting positive self-concept and social media literacy among young people.

Q: What are the practical implications of this study for students? A: This study suggests that Finstagram can be a valuable tool for students to explore and express themselves, but it also requires responsible use and management. Students should be encouraged to use Finstagram in a responsible and safe manner, and to be aware of the potential risks and benefits of social media use.

Q: What are the practical implications of this study for educators and policymakers? A: This study highlights the importance of social media literacy and digital citizenship in the education system. Educators and policymakers should incorporate social media literacy and digital citizenship into the education system, and should encourage responsible use and management of social media among students.

Q: What are the practical implications of this study for parents? A: This study suggests that parents should be aware of the potential risks and benefits of social media use among young people, and should encourage responsible use and management of social media. Parents should also be aware of the importance of social media literacy and digital citizenship in the education system.