KONSTRUKSI IDENTITAS GENDER VIRTUAL PADA ROLEPLAYER K-POP DI MEDIA SOSIAL TELEGRAM

(Studi Kasus Gender Swap Roleplayer K-Pop)

THE CONSTRUCTION OF VIRTUAL GENDER IDENTITY IN K-POP ROLEPLAYER ON TELEGRAM SOCIAL MEDIA

(A Case Study of K-Pop Roleplayers Engaging in Gender Swapping)

Fenomena gender swapping digunakan roleplayer K-Pop di Telegram sebagai bentuk eksplorasi identitas. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui konstruksi identitas gender virtual dalam gender swapping serta faktor-faktor yang memengaruhinya di dunia virtual. Metode yang digunakan adalah studi kasus dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara mendalam, observasi partisipan, dan studi kasus. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan konstruksi identitas gender virtual terjadi secara kompleks, dipengaruhi faktor sosial dan budaya. Faktor pendorongnya meliputi kenyamanan interaksi, pencarian diri, dan dinamika komunitas yang lebih menerima identitas tertentu. Kesimpulannya, dunia virtual memberi ruang eksplorasi perspektif gender dan interaksi sosial, namun tetap membutuhkan kesadaran diri menjaga batas antara identitas virtual dan realitas.

Kata Kunci: Konstruksi Identitas, Gender Swapping, Roleplayer K-Pop, Identitas Virtual, Media Sosial

Gender swapping is a common practice among K-Pop roleplayers on Telegram as a form of identity exploration. This study aims to examine the construction of virtual gender identity within gender swapping practices and the factors influencing it in the virtual world. This research employs a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and digital content analysis. The results indicate that the construction of virtual gender identity is a complex process influenced by social and cultural factors. The main driving factors include comfort in social interactions, self-exploration, and community dynamics that are more accepting of certain identities. However, it still requires self-awareness to maintain boundaries between virtual identity and reality.

Keywords: Identity Construction, Gender Swapping, K-Pop Roleplayer, Virtual Identity, Social Media