Publisher

JURNALASPIKOMJURNALASPIKOM

Journal Jurnal ASPIKOMJurnal ASPIKOM Abstract

This study examines the ways Indonesian mothers construct and negotiate family identity through the use of public and private Instagram accounts. The growing presence of mothers on Instagram has transformed the representation of family life into a performative digital practice shaped by visibility, social interaction, and cultural norms. Rather than functioning as a neutral record of everyday experiences, Instagram has become a discursive space where family identity is strategically produced and managed. Drawing on Narrative Performance Theory, this qualitative research employs in-depth interviews with Indonesian mothers who engage in different patterns of digital visibility. The findings indicate that mothers with public Instagram accounts tend to construct curated narratives of family harmony and ideality to achieve social recognition, legitimacy, and broader audience engagement. In contrast, mothers who use private accounts emphasize maternal reflexivity, emotional closeness, ethical responsibility, and the protection of childrens digital privacy. These contrasting narrative practices demonstrate that digital family identity is shaped through internal and external boundary management strategies that balance self-expression, social connection, and digital safety. The study highlights Instagrams role as a dynamic arena in which family identity is continuously performed, negotiated, and redefined, contributing to broader discussions on digital parenting, family communication, and ethical considerations in social media use.

Conclusion

This research reveals two primary patterns in representing family identity on Instagram.These strategies demonstrate that family identity on social media is not fixed but emerges from negotiating visibility and privacy.Mothers actively determine how their families are represented online.The study highlights the importance of digital literacy for parents, particularly in understanding the social and ethical implications of sharing family content, and balancing self-expression with family protection.

Future Research

Further research could explore the long-term effects of sharenting on childrens digital identities and self-perception, investigating how children themselves navigate their online presence as they mature. Additionally, a comparative study across different cultural contexts could reveal how varying cultural norms and values shape maternal narrative practices on Instagram. Finally, research should investigate the role of Instagram algorithms in shaping the visibility of family content and influencing perceptions of ideal family life, examining how these algorithms might reinforce or challenge existing social norms and expectations. These investigations will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between family, technology, and culture in the digital age, offering insights for parents, educators, and policymakers alike.

References

1. Debating childfree: The contestation of “childfree” discourses in Instagram | Purwaningtyas... doi.org/10.24329/aspikom.v9i1.1439Debating childfree The contestation of AuchildfreeAy discourses in Instagram Purwaningtyas doi 10 24329 aspikom v9i1 1439
2. Showing/Sharing: Analysing Visual Communication from a Praxeological Perspective | Article | Media and... cogitatiopress.com/mediaandcommunication/article/view/1075Showing Sharing Analysing Visual Communication from a Praxeological Perspective Article Media and cogitatiopress mediaandcommunication article view 1075

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