CommVersa: Journal of Communication Studies
Exploring the Lived Experiences of Women in Digital Feminist Activism: Meaning and Challenges in Indonesia
Digital feminist activism has become a significant force in advocating for gender equality through online platforms, yet the lived experiences of women in these movements remain underexplored. Existing studies often focus on the external dynamics of digital activism, leaving the subjective experiences of women largely unaddressed. This study explores how women interpret their participation in digital feminist activism, focusing on both empowerment and challenges, particularly in the context of online harassment. Using in-depth interviews with 15 women involved in digital feminist movements, thematic analysis revealed a dual experience: empowerment through connectivity and exposure to harassment. Women felt empowered by amplifying their voices and building supportive communities, but faced significant challenges such as misogynistic attacks and personal threats. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the emotional complexities of online feminist activism, offering insights for future research on the psychological and social impacts of digital activism.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mukhlis Lubis, Diah Fatma Sjoraida (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Visual Branding Strategy for the MSME Product "Babanun Craft" on Instagram
The internet has become a platform for interaction among many people. Social media, as a communication tool, is widely used by MSMEs. This can increase competitiveness and promote businesses effectively and efficiently. Marketing a business on Instagram can be implemented through strategic marketing. This strategy involves in-depth positioning of the name, logo, brand, and visualization on Instagram. To understand this, this review used qualitative descriptive research. The results show that Instagram branding significantly increased Babanun Craft's brand recognition, with a 25% rise in engagement and a 15% boost in sales over a three-month period. The findings also highlight the importance of visually appealing content and trained copywriters in effectively attracting customer interest on social media.
Copyright (c) 2026 Feiza Salsabila Deka, Intan Putri , Diah Triesia (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring Citizens’ Lived Experiences of Trust in Government Communication Amid Digital Disinformation
Political communication in the digital era has undergone a major transformation due to the rise of disinformation and declining public trust in government institutions. Within this evolving landscape, understanding the subjective experience of trust has become central to analyzing how citizens interpret and respond to government messages. However, prior studies have largely relied on quantitative or message-effect approaches, leaving limited insight into how individuals actually experience and reconstruct trust amid conflicting information environments. Therefore, this study explicitly aims to examine how citizens subjectively construct and interpret trust in government communication within digital disinformation settings. This study addresses that gap by employing an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore how citizens make sense of government communication in the context of digital disinformation. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 12 digitally active citizens, and analyzed thematically to uncover core experiential patterns. The findings reveal that trust emerges as a fluid, interpretative process, shaped by emotion, reflection, and social interaction rather than by message accuracy alone. Participants described trust as being reconstructed through authenticity, empathy, and moral coherence in government communication. These results provide a deeper understanding of trust as a lived experience, offering new theoretical insights into the relational and ethical dimensions of political communication. The study underscores the need for dialogical and empathetic communication strategies in public governance and invites further research to expand phenomenological inquiry across different cultural and institutional contexts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ibnu Sumarna, Galih Ayu Palupi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Journalists’ Lived Experiences of Credibility and Ethical Identity in the Digital News Era
Digital journalism has undergone a profound transformation as algorithms and audience engagement metrics increasingly shape how news is produced and perceived. Within this evolving media landscape, the concept of journalistic credibility has shifted from being an institutional guarantee to a dynamic and contested experience shaped by technological and social forces. However, little is known about how journalists personally experience and interpret credibility crises in the digital newsroom, particularly as they navigate tensions between ethical responsibility and algorithmic visibility. This study applies an interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA) to explore the lived experiences of journalists confronting these challenges and to uncover the meaning structures underlying their sense of professional integrity. The study employed clearly defined IPA procedures, including bracketing, idiographic coding, and cross-case thematic synthesis, to ensure methodological rigor. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with twelve journalists from print, electronic, and digital media. Analysis identified three core experiential themes: (1) credibility as an ongoing ethical struggle shaped by algorithmic pressures, (2) emotional vulnerability triggered by fluctuating digital visibility, and (3) the negotiation of professional identity amid demands for authenticity. These findings demonstrate with greater precision that credibility is experienced not as an abstract principle but as a daily moral decision-making process shaped by both personal conviction and platform metrics.These insights extend the theoretical understanding of credibility from a procedural construct to a lived moral condition, emphasizing the human dimension of journalistic practice in the digital age. The study offers new directions for research on media ethics and underscores the need for reflective newsroom cultures that sustain authenticity amid algorithmic systems.
Copyright (c) 2025 Triana, Susanto (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring Communicative Identity Transformation among Muslim Diasporas in Secular Western Societies: A Phenomenological Study
Intercultural communication has become a central concern in understanding how individuals construct meaning, negotiate identity, and establish belonging in increasingly plural societies. Within this broader context, the experiences of Muslim diasporas in secular Western environments highlight a unique intersection between faith, culture, and self-expression that demands deeper interpretative inquiry. Although existing research has extensively explored intercultural adaptation and acculturation processes, little is known about the lived meanings of communicative identity transformation among faith-based minorities. This study therefore asks: How do Muslim diasporas experience and interpret their communicative identities in secular cultural contexts? Using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach, this study explores how communication becomes an existential process of meaning-making that connects spiritual conviction with sociocultural belonging. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with twelve Muslim diaspora participants residing in Western countries. The analysis identifies four core findings: individuals negotiate identity between faith and secularity, navigate ongoing feelings of cultural displacement, use language both as connection and subtle resistance, and rely on faith as a stabilizing anchor in identity reconstruction. These findings provide a concise picture of how communicative identity transformation unfolds as a dialogical, reflective, and emotionally charged process. The results contribute to the field of intercultural communication by reframing identity transformation as a lived and reflective phenomenon rather than a behavioral adaptation. These insights deepen our understanding of communicative meaning and provide a conceptual foundation for future phenomenological studies on dialogue, belonging, and identity across cultural and spiritual boundaries.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fathurrahman, Aziz Riyadi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring the Lived Meaning of Strategic Communication in Sustainability-Oriented Entrepreneurship: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) Approach
Organizational communication has increasingly been recognized as a core element shaping innovation, leadership, and sustainability in contemporary entrepreneurship. Within this evolving field, the subjective experiences of entrepreneurs in constructing meaning through strategic communication remain insufficiently understood, especially in contexts where ethical and environmental values intersect with business objectives. However, most existing studies rely on rational or quantitative models that fail to capture the lived experiences underlying communicative decision-making. This study addresses this gap by asking: How do entrepreneurs experience and interpret strategic communication in sustainability-oriented decision-making? Using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach, the study explores the lived experiences of ten Indonesian entrepreneurs engaged in sustainability-driven enterprises. Participants were selected using purposive sampling to ensure information-rich cases aligned with IPA methodological requirements, and each semi-structured interview lasted between 60–90 minutes to allow deep exploration of meaning-making processes. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed hermeneutically to uncover the meanings participants ascribe to their communicative practices. The findings reveal that communication functions not merely as a managerial tool but as a reflective and relational process through which entrepreneurs negotiate values, construct authenticity, and integrate sustainability into strategic choices. The analysis identifies three essential themes: communicative leadership, meaning-making in decision-making, and reflexivity in ethical identity construction. These insights advance understanding of communication as a process of meaning construction central to sustainable entrepreneurship. The study highlights the need for future research to explore cross-cultural variations in communicative experiences, deepening theoretical and practical perspectives on how communication shapes ethical and sustainable business practices.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mukhlis Lubis, Setiadi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring Ethical Meaning and Professional Resilience in Building Consumer Trust through Sustainable Brand Communication
Brand sustainability communication has become a critical concern in contemporary marketing, reflecting increasing expectations for ethical transparency, authenticity, and accountability in digital environments. However, the linkage between sustainability messages and the actual development of consumer trust remains underexplored. While prior studies have mainly used quantitative models to examine brand credibility and consumer attitudes, limited research has illuminated how individuals subjectively experience and construct trust in response to sustainability communication on social media. This study aims to bridge that gap by precisely exploring how consumers interpret, emotionally engage with, and ethically evaluate sustainability messages. Employing an interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA), in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve active social media users, and the data were thematically analyzed to identify key experiential patterns of trust formation. Findings reveal three interconnected dimensions of trust: (1) authenticity, manifested through transparent and value-consistent messages; (2) dialogical interaction, shaped by perceived openness and reciprocity between brand and audience; and (3) moral resonance, emerging when brand ethics align with consumers’ personal moral frameworks. Trust thus evolves as a relational and emotional process rather than a fixed cognitive judgment. This refined understanding contributes to theory by clarifying how emotional and ethical engagement underpin trust in digital sustainability communication. Practically, it guides brands toward fostering credible and value-driven relationships through consistent, transparent storytelling. The study further recommends future comparative research on cultural variations in the lived experience of digital trust to enrich cross-contextual insights.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yera Yulista, Yaisyah Sikumbang (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring Ethical Resilience among Young Diplomats Facing Digital Disinformation
Digital diplomacy has transformed how states communicate, negotiate, and project influence in the global sphere, yet it has also introduced new ethical and psychological challenges driven by digital disinformation. Within this evolving landscape, young diplomats encounter unique pressures that shape their professional identities and moral decision-making, making it critical to understand how they experience and interpret such challenges. Despite extensive research on the strategic and technological dimensions of digital diplomacy, little is known about the lived experiences of diplomats who face disinformation in cross-border negotiations—specifically, how they construct meaning and sustain ethical integrity under informational stress. This qualitative research involved eight young diplomats (aged 25–35) from various regions including Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, all actively serving in foreign ministries or international organizations. This study applies an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore how young diplomats perceive, internalize, and respond to digital disinformation within the context of international negotiation. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews lasting between 60 and 90 minutes, providing rich narratives of participants’ lived experiences. The research reveals that disinformation is experienced not merely as a technical or political issue but as an existential and ethical disruption to diplomatic identity. The analysis identifies four interrelated experiential themes: ethical ambiguity, emotional strain, identity negotiation, and the emergence of digital ethical resilience—a reflective capacity that enables diplomats to maintain integrity amid uncertainty. These findings provide a deeper understanding of diplomacy as a human-centered ethical practice, extending beyond policy frameworks to the subjective dimensions of diplomatic life. The study underscores the need for reflective and value-based training in diplomatic institutions and invites further research on ethical resilience across diverse global communication settings.
Copyright (c) 2025 Linus Kali Palindangan, Agustinus Rustanta (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring the Lived Meaning of Authenticity in Social Media Influencers’ Digital Lives
Authenticity has emerged as a critical concept in mass communication and digital media studies, reflecting broader social and cultural concerns about identity, truth, and self-representation in online environments. Within this context, the experiences of digital influencers have gained scholarly attention as they navigate the intersection of personal expression, algorithmic visibility, and audience expectation. However, existing research has primarily examined authenticity through behavioral or structural lenses, leaving insufficient understanding of how influencers personally experience and interpret authenticity within the algorithmic systems that shape their digital lives. Here, this study employs a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore the lived meanings of authenticity among social media influencers. Through in-depth semi-structured interviews with eight active influencers, the study identifies four central themes: the negotiation of authenticity under algorithmic pressure, the emotional labor of self-presentation, the crisis of trust between influencers and audiences, and the moral paradox of visibility and integrity. These findings reveal that authenticity is not a static attribute but a dynamic, relational process shaped by emotional, moral, and technological factors. The phenomenological interpretation highlights authenticity as a lived struggle for coherence between inner values and external visibility, rather than a strategic performance of self. Practically, the findings offer valuable insights for digital influencers, content strategists, and media professionals seeking to cultivate more genuine engagement in algorithm-driven platforms. Understanding authenticity as a relational and moral process can inform ethical content creation and healthier audience interaction. Nevertheless, this study is limited by its small, context-specific sample and qualitative scope, which may restrict generalizability. Future research could expand to cross-cultural comparisons or incorporate quantitative approaches to further validate these insights. Overall, this research deepens our understanding of authenticity as an evolving existential experience in digital culture and underscores the value of phenomenology for examining identity, ethics, and emotional life in contemporary media environments.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mukhlis Lubis, Andi Subhan Amir (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Communication Strategy and Cultural Branding of Mangulosi in Batak Toba Intercultural Marriage
This study examined the practice of mangulosi in Batak Toba intercultural marriages, focusing on how the ritual was adapted, interpreted, and communicated when full customary procedures were not performed. The research addressed the problem of how cultural identity and symbolic meaning were preserved within a hybrid wedding context. The objective was to analyze how communication strategies and cultural branding were enacted through the ulos symbol as part of mangulosi. A qualitative case study approach was employed. Data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews with family members, elders, and the bridal couple, as well as documentation in the form of photographs and videos. Data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, which involved data condensation, display, and conclusion drawing. The findings showed that mangulosi retained its symbolic value as a blessing and identity marker despite its simplified performance. Selective adaptations such as shortened verbal expressions, the choice of generalized ulos, and explanatory commentary ensured that the ritual remained accessible to intercultural participants while preserving its core meaning. The ulos functioned as both a cultural emblem and a branding device that projected Batak identity beyond its traditional context. Emotional expressions such as tears, embraces, and gestures further reinforced the ritual’s meaning and facilitated shared understanding.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ahmad Taufiq Maulana Ramdan, Ira Aryanti Rasyi Lubis, Rama Chandra Jaya (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cultural Identity Negotiation and Meaning-Making on TikTok among Generation Z
Digital platforms have transformed communication studies by reshaping how individuals construct identity and engage in cross-cultural interactions in online environments. Within this context, TikTok has emerged as a dynamic space where Generation Z navigates cultural expression, self-representation, and belonging in increasingly globalized societies. However, limited research has explored the subjective experiences behind these interactions, leaving unanswered how Generation Z perceives, negotiates, and assigns meaning to their digital identities. This study employs Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) with semi-structured interviews of 14 active TikTok users to examine how Generation Z constructs and redefines cultural identity. Data were thematically analyzed to capture the essence of meaning-making in cross-cultural digital spaces. Findings indicate that TikTok mediates identity negotiation, allowing participants to blend personal, cultural, and global influences while facing tensions between authenticity and social validation. Participants viewed TikTok as a space for creative self-expression and intercultural learning, but also experienced pressures to conform to trending norms, sometimes undermining individuality. These results contribute to digital identity theory and offer practical insights for enhancing cross-cultural communication and digital literacy among Generation Z.
Copyright (c) 2025 Siti nur jannah, Abdul Azis (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Examining Emotional Presence, Authenticity, and Intimacy in Live-Streaming Experiences: A Focus on Audience–Streamer Interactions
Live streaming has become a rapidly growing form of digital communication, transforming how people interact, build relationships, and experience emotional connections in real time. Despite increasing scholarly attention, limited research has explored the subjective meaning-making processes behind emotional presence, authenticity, and intimacy in live-streaming environments, particularly within Indonesian cultural contexts. This study addresses that gap by investigating how streamers and viewers construct and interpret emotional engagement in ways that are socially and culturally distinctive. Here, we adopt an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach to explore the lived experiences of 28 participants, including streamers and viewers, focusing on how emotional closeness is co-constructed through interaction. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observations, and live-chat analyses, then analyzed using IPA to uncover themes representing shared meanings. The findings reveal that emotional presence develops through reciprocal engagement, authenticity is negotiated between performance and sincerity, and cultural norms shape expressions of intimacy and trust. These insights offer a deeper understanding of how digital relationships are socially and culturally mediated, filling a gap left by previous studies that relied mainly on quantitative metrics. This study advances theoretical perspectives on digital communication and phenomenology by highlighting the subjective experiences underpinning online emotional interactions. The results also provide practical implications for streamers, platform designers, and policymakers to foster more meaningful, culturally responsive user engagement while opening opportunities for future cross-cultural and mixed-method research.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dimas Wahyu, Fitriani (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring the Lived Experiences of Constructing Digital Authenticity and Building Trust Among Micro-Influencers
Social media has transformed digital communication, reshaping how individuals construct and negotiate online identities. This study focuses on micro-influencers content creators with smaller but highly engaged audiences whose perceived authenticity strongly appeals to Generation Z. Despite their growing importance, research on how micro-influencers construct and sustain authenticity remains limited. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), this study explores the lived experiences of 12 micro-influencers. Data were gathered through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically to uncover how authenticity and trust are negotiated. The findings show that authenticity is dynamic and socially constructed, shaped by deliberate self-presentation, emotional labor, and selective disclosure of personal narratives. Trust-building with Gen-Z audiences relies less on idealized images and more on relatability and perceived closeness, with micro-influencers positioning themselves as peers rather than celebrities. The study advances understanding of digital authenticity by moving beyond metrics-driven evaluations toward a meaning-centered perspective. It contributes theoretically to influencer communication research and offers practical insights for brands, policymakers, and creators seeking authentic engagement strategies in evolving digital ecosystems.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sakinah, Putri Annasari (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Lived Experiences and Meaning-Making of Cyberbullying Among Public Figures in Digital Communication
The rapid expansion of social media has transformed the way individuals communicate, construct digital identities, and manage public visibility. Amid this shift, cyberbullying against public figures has become a pressing challenge with limited scholarly attention, especially regarding how they interpret and respond to such harassment. This study employs an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore the lived experiences of public figures facing cyberbullying, emphasizing their meaning-making and adaptive strategies. Semi-structured interviews with eight participants were thematically analyzed to reveal how they confront emotional turbulence, identity negotiation, and reputation management. The findings show that while cyberbullying threatens psychological well-being and professional credibility, public figures develop distinctive strategies such as selective self-disclosure, narrative reframing, and strategic silence. By foregrounding subjective experiences, this research contributes a novel perspective on digital identity negotiation and resilience among public figures. It highlights theoretical implications for communication studies and practical insights for public relations, mental health support, and digital governance.
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Copyright (c) 2025 Dimas Hermawan, Elia Sari (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring Strategic Communication Practitioners’ Lived Experiences in Navigating Organizational Constraints and Building Trust
Strategic communication plays a critical role in shaping organizational relationships and influencing public perception within complex sociocultural contexts. Within this field, understanding practitioners’ lived experiences offers valuable insights into how meaning is constructed and enacted in professional practice. However, little is known about the subjective and interpretative dimensions of strategic communication work, raising the question of how practitioners navigate organizational constraints, build relational trust, and manage emotional labor in their daily roles. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, this study explores the essence of these experiences and reveals how they inform professional practice. Data were collected over a period of six weeks through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with twelve purposively selected strategic communication practitioners from diverse organizational settings, and analyzed using thematic clustering to identify core experiential patterns. The findings highlight three interrelated themes: adaptive framing of messages to balance institutional directives with audience needs, cultivation of trust through culturally attuned engagement, and the emotional labor involved in sustaining constructive communication under high-stakes conditions. These findings have significant implications for practice, emphasizing the need for organizations to design training programs that strengthen practitioners’ relational sensitivity, intercultural awareness, and emotional resilience in communication management. By reframing communication as a meaning-centered process, this study advances our understanding of the field and offers a foundation for future research to examine these experiential dimensions across varied cultural and organizational contexts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ita Fitriati, Nur Fitrianingsih (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Adaptive Meaning-Making among Professionals in Uncertain Organizations
Human experience, as shaped by social, cultural, and organizational contexts, has become an important focus in contemporary qualitative research. Within this field, phenomenology offers a framework for exploring how individuals assign meaning to their lived experiences, yet many studies fail to fully capture the depth of such meaning-making processes. Existing approaches often rely on procedural or quantitative measures, leaving unanswered the question of how people negotiate uncertainty, construct meaning, and transform challenges within specific contexts. This study applies an interpretative phenomenological approach to address this gap, providing an in-depth account of the essential themes embedded in participants’ narratives. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with twelve (12) purposively selected participants, consisting of mid-level and senior professionals (aged 29–54 years) from diverse organizational sectors, including education, healthcare, and corporate management. The selection ensured representation of both genders and varying lengths of professional experience to capture a broad range of perspectives related to adaptive meaning-making. Thematic analysis identified four interrelated themes: adaptive strategies, emotional labor, social support, and personal transformation. These themes revealed a dynamic process in which participants not only responded to challenges but also reinterpreted them as opportunities for growth. The interpretative process was supported by verbatim quotations to ensure authenticity and to ground thematic patterns in participants’ own language. The analysis demonstrated that resilience emerged from the interplay between individual agency and relational support, reflecting both personal and collective dimensions of meaning-making. These findings enhance current understanding by integrating emotional, social, and transformative aspects of lived experience, offering practical implications for developing context-sensitive interventions. Future research can extend these insights through cross-cultural and longitudinal studies to further enrich the theoretical and practical contributions of phenomenological inquiry.
Copyright (c) 2025 Lisa Mardiana, Atjih Sukaesih (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Interpreting Digital Politics in Marginalized Communities: A Phenomenological Study
Digital media have transformed how political information is accessed and interpreted, yet this transformation remains uneven among marginalized populations. While prior research has explored digital engagement broadly, little is known about how individuals from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds experience political information in everyday contexts. This study focuses on marginalized communities residing in urban low-income neighborhoods in Indonesia, where limited digital literacy and infrastructural constraints shape political communication practices. This study addresses the lack of insight into the subjective dimensions of political engagement by asking: How do marginalized individuals make sense of political content accessed through digital platforms? Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, this study explores the lived experiences of individuals navigating political information in conditions of social and technological precarity. Eight participants (five women and three men) aged between 22 and 45 were recruited through purposive sampling, all of whom have limited access to stable internet connectivity and rely primarily on low-cost smartphones and social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp for political information. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The results reveal four major experiential themes: difficulty navigating misinformation, passive participation as a protective strategy, trust shaped by personal relationships rather than source credibility, and digital access as a symbol of social inclusion. These themes reflect a nuanced interplay between access, emotion, and identity that challenges traditional models of political engagement. The findings suggest that marginalized political actors engage with digital democracy not as passive consumers, but as cautious interpreters whose behaviors are shaped by fear, distrust, and community belonging. This research advances our understanding of how political meaning is constructed at the margins and offers a foundation for future studies to explore inclusion and agency in digital civic life.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Khaibar Putra Adithia, Junaidi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Transformative Impact of YouTube Self-Improvement Content: Identity Shifts Among Postgraduate Students
This study explores the transformative role of YouTube self-improvement content in reshaping the identities of postgraduate students. In an era of growing digital media influence, YouTube has become more than a platform for entertainment, offering motivational content that encourages personal growth, emotional resilience, and academic success. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, this research examines the subjective experiences of ten postgraduate students who regularly engage with self-improvement videos. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews, revealing four key themes: YouTube as a reflective mirror, the internalization of aspirational values, identity realignment, and emotional empowerment. Participants reported that self-improvement content acted as a catalyst for self-reflection, enabling them to reassess their goals, realign their identities, and develop new emotional coping mechanisms. These findings underscore the potential of digital media not just as a source of information, but as a powerful tool for self-concept reconstruction. This study contributes to the field of media and identity studies by offering a nuanced understanding of how digital content facilitates personal transformation, especially during pivotal life stages. The results call for further research into the emotional and psychological impacts of media engagement, with implications for educational strategies and digital literacy initiatives.
Copyright (c) 2025 Azzahra Cantika Liandy (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Developing and Implementing Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) Models in Islamic Religious Education (PAI)
Islamic Religious Education (IRE) faces significant challenges, particularly the low levels of student interest and comprehension due to conventional teaching methods that lack real-life relevance. This study aims to analyze the concept and implementation of Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) as an innovative approach in IRE instruction. Using a library research method, this study reviews relevant literature to explore the core components of CTL, its advantages over traditional methods, and its application in Islamic educational contexts. The findings show that CTL significantly enhances student engagement, material relevance, and the internalization of Islamic values through direct, experiential learning. The study also highlights the positive impact of CTL on fostering critical thinking and a deeper understanding of Islamic teachings. The seven key components of CTL—constructivism, inquiry, questioning, learning community, modeling, reflection, and authentic assessment—serve as the foundation for a holistic and transformative learning process. These findings suggest that the implementation of CTL in IRE not only improves learning outcomes but also supports the development of students' Islamic character. However, the success of CTL relies heavily on teacher preparedness, continuous professional development, and the availability of adequate resources and support.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ahmad Zaini, Iftitah Hidayati , Nur Laily Romadhoni Novita Fitri (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Synergy of Indoor and Outdoor Learning in Islamic Education: A Holistic Qualitative Design for Strengthening Spiritual and Contextual Dimensions in Secondary Schools
This study aims to address the gap in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) research, which has predominantly emphasized cognitive aspects within classroom settings while underexploring the integration of contextual learning experiences outside the classroom. The focus of this research is to develop an innovative instructional design framework for PAI through the synergy of indoor and outdoor approaches, fostering a holistic learning experience that strengthens both spiritual and contextual dimensions. Employing a qualitative literature review method with comparative thematic analysis of religious literature, scholarly journals, textbooks, and educational reports, this study explores the conceptual void in existing PAI learning models that can bridge theoretical understanding with socio-spiritual practice. The findings reveal that indoor learning provides a structured theoretical foundation, while outdoor learning enriches the process through direct experiences such as nature contemplation (tadabbur alam) and social projects. The integration of both approaches results in a hybrid learning model that not only enhances student engagement and retention but also cultivates transformative awareness of Islamic values within social contexts. The novelty of this research lies in formulating a conceptual framework for PAI based on a dual learning space synergy—the Dual Learning Space Framework—which serves as a pedagogical reference for educators to strengthen the implementation of a more contextual and inclusive PAI curriculum. Consequently, this study expands the horizon of Islamic pedagogy from classroom-centered instruction to applicable spiritual practices.
Copyright (c) 2025 Devy Habibi Muhammad, Samsul Huda, Tanti Verawati, Fitria (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Behind the Screen: Navigating Ethical Challenges in Digital Investigative Journalism in the Indonesian Media Landscape
In the era of digital media, investigative journalists frequently encounter ethical complexities intensified by commercial, political, and editorial constraints. The primary objective of this study is to examine how investigative journalists operating in the Indonesian digital media landscape navigate ethical challenges while maintaining professional integrity. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, the research delves into the lived experiences of eight investigative reporters working in digital platforms, each with prior exposure to high-stakes ethical conflicts. Through semi-structured interviews and interpretative phenomenological analysis, four primary themes emerged: the clash between personal ethics and institutional mandates, the emotional toll of self-censorship under threat, the ambiguity of existing ethical guidelines, and the development of resilience through alternative ethical practices. These findings uncover the intricate psychological and moral dimensions that shape ethical journalism in practice. Rather than depicting ethical decision-making as purely guided by codes and regulations, this study highlights it as a fluid and often solitary negotiation influenced by personal meaning, fear, and contextual pressures. The research contributes to a richer understanding of journalism ethics by amplifying the voices of practitioners and emphasizing the urgent need for more responsive institutional support. The insights presented also have broader implications for shaping ethical frameworks attuned to the realities of digital investigative reporting.
Copyright (c) 2025 Andi Asari (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Performing Realness: Constructing Authenticity Amid Algorithmic and Market Pressures
In the algorithm-driven landscape of digital media, streaming content creators face the paradox of remaining true to themselves while meeting the market’s demand for engagement and visibility. This study explores how creators actively construct and perform authenticity in the face of commercial and algorithmic pressures. Using a qualitative research design grounded in Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the study draws on in-depth, semi-structured interviews with ten experienced digital creators across platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch. Findings indicate that authenticity is not an innate or stable trait, but a continuously negotiated identity shaped by audience expectations, monetization structures, and emotional self-regulation. Creators often adopt strategic forms of “curated realness,” balancing vulnerability with relatability to maintain audience trust while adhering to platform logics. Three central themes emerged: internal conflict between self-expression and platform optimization, the commodification of personal narratives, and the role of peer support and self-reflection in safeguarding creative integrity. Rather than being passive recipients of platform demands, creators exhibit agency by redefining what it means to be authentic in digital spaces. This study provides new insight into the emotional labor and ethical decision-making embedded in content creation and offers valuable implications for media scholars, platform designers, and creator support programs in managing the human dimensions of digital labor.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sofa Sofiana (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Digital Self-Reconstruction: Postgraduate Reflections on YouTube’s Role in Identity Formation
In the digital era, motivational content on YouTube has transcended its entertainment role to become a profound influence on personal development and identity formation. This study investigates how postgraduate students reflect upon and reinterpret their self-concept through sustained engagement with self-improvement videos. Using a qualitative design grounded in Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the research employed in-depth, semi-structured interviews with ten postgraduate students who regularly consumed motivational content. Findings reveal that YouTube serves as more than a passive medium—it functions as a virtual mirror, a source of emotional support, and a space for aspirational alignment. Participants reported significant shifts in self-perception, including greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and reevaluation of academic and life goals. These narratives suggest that digital content plays a substantial role in shaping identity, particularly during periods of academic uncertainty and personal transition. The study highlights four emergent themes: reflective media engagement, internalization of productivity values, self-realignment, and psychological empowerment. By emphasizing meaning-making over behavioral metrics, this research contributes to media and identity scholarship by illuminating how personal narratives are actively reconstructed through digital interaction. The findings propose a nuanced understanding of YouTube as an agent of psychological and emotional transformation in educational contexts, offering insights for educators, counselors, and media literacy initiatives.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yustikasari (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Balancing Metrics and Meaning: Local Editors' Lived Experiences in Algorithm-Driven Newsrooms
In the current era of digital journalism, editorial decisions are increasingly influenced by algorithmic metrics and platform engagement standards. This study investigates how local online news editors in Indonesia interpret and navigate these digital pressures in their professional routines. Using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach, this research involved in-depth, semi-structured interviews with eight purposively selected local online news editors from various Indonesian provinces. Interviews were conducted face-to-face or via secure video conferencing, each lasting between 60 and 90 minutes, and were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis. Three major experiential themes emerged: (1) the struggle to maintain journalistic ideals in the face of click-driven imperatives, (2) the evolving notion of newsworthiness shaped by platform logic, and (3) the emotional and ethical dissonance editors experience, leading to fragmented professional identities. Rather than succumbing passively to algorithmic control, editors actively negotiate these pressures—balancing survival strategies with personal and professional values. Their narratives reveal a deep engagement with ethical dilemmas, emotional strain, and adaptive decision-making processes. The study contributes to journalism scholarship by highlighting the internal, often invisible dimensions of editorial labor that go beyond observable newsroom behavior. It also underscores the urgent need for editorial support systems, ethical guidelines, and institutional policies that acknowledge the human cost of digital media transformation. These insights provide a foundation for future research into editorial subjectivity and professional identity in an algorithm-driven media ecosystem.
Copyright (c) 2025 Purnomo Sidiq (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring the Meaning of Authentic Leadership Communication Among Millennials in Southeast Asian Technology Workplaces
Leadership communication is a critical area within organizational communication studies, particularly in understanding how interpersonal dynamics shape workplace culture and employee engagement. While prior research has explored authentic leadership, little is known about how millennial employees subjectively experience and interpret authentic leadership communication in culturally complex industries such as technology. The current literature lacks phenomenological insights into how authenticity is perceived from the employee’s perspective, prompting the question: how do millennial employees make meaning of authentic leadership communication in their everyday professional lives? This study adopts an interpretative phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of millennials working in Southeast Asian technology firms—specifically in Jakarta, Indonesia, between January and April 2024—and provides an in-depth answer to this question. Semi-structured interviews with 12 participants from three major tech companies—each with distinct organizational cultures and leadership practices—were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic interpretation grounded in phenomenology. The findings reveal four key themes: perceived transparency, behavioral congruence, dialogic engagement, and emotional resonance, each contributing to a deeper understanding of how authenticity is constructed through daily leader-employee interactions. These insights illustrate that authentic communication is not merely a leadership trait but a relational process embedded in emotional and cultural contexts. A key limitation of this study lies in its small sample size and its focus on a specific regional and industrial context, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. The study expands our understanding of authentic leadership by emphasizing employee meaning-making and offers a foundation for future inquiries into leadership communication as a lived organizational phenomenon.
Copyright (c) 2025 Immas Anggung Mestuti Kaprawiran (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring Corporate Value Internalization Among Leaders in Multinational Organizations
Leadership communication plays a crucial role in shaping corporate culture, especially within the complex dynamics of multinational organizations. While existing studies have examined leadership behaviors and strategic communication, limited attention has been given to how leaders internalize and enact organizational values from a subjective standpoint. This study addresses that gap by exploring how leaders interpret, negotiate, and embody corporate values across diverse cultural contexts. An interpretative phenomenological approach was employed to investigate the experiences of senior leaders navigating value internalization within culturally diverse environments. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight senior leaders from multinational corporations, and data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Five key themes emerged: communicative adaptation across cultures, the embodiment of values, authentic vulnerability, disruption of informal value transmission in hybrid work settings, and identity tensions when personal and corporate values diverge. These findings indicate that value internalization is a reflective and context-bound process influenced by emotional, cultural, and relational dynamics. The study highlights the importance of incorporating experiential learning, ethical reflexivity, and culturally responsive communication into leadership development practices. It contributes to a more nuanced understanding of leadership communication and offers directions for future cross-cultural and longitudinal research.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sayyidul Adnan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring Emotional and Symbolic Experiences of Influencer Marketing in Brand Loyalty Among Generation Z
Influencer marketing has emerged as a dominant force in digital communication, reshaping how consumers particularly Generation Z form emotional and symbolic connections with brands. Despite increasing attention, current research largely overlooks the subjective experiences and meaning-making processes that underlie consumer-influencer relationships. However, limited understanding exists regarding the internalization of these relationships by young consumers and the specific mechanisms through which such interactions foster brand loyalty in digitally mediated contexts. This study employs an interpretative phenomenological approach to explore how Generation Z experiences influencer marketing as part of integrated marketing communication (IMC) strategies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants who actively follow social media influencers and have engaged with influencer-endorsed products. Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), which revealed four central themes: emotional closeness, trust through relatable narratives, symbolic identity alignment, and unconscious brand loyalty. These findings indicate that participants develop brand loyalty not through rational decision-making but through emotional resonance and identity-based connection with influencers. This research contributes to the theoretical discourse by framing influencer marketing as an emotionally constructed and socially embedded phenomenon. It also offers practical insights for marketers aiming to build long-term brand engagement among digital natives. Furthermore, it encourages future studies to further investigate the experiential dimensions of digital branding and identity formation in diverse cultural and media environments.
Copyright (c) 2025 Agustinus Rustanta (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Understanding the Lived Experience of Political Narrative Engagement Among Social Media Users
Political communication in the digital age has shifted dramatically, with social media emerging as a dominant space where individuals encounter and interpret political narratives. While prior research has examined media effects on public opinion, little is known about how people emotionally and cognitively experience these narratives in everyday contexts. This study addresses that gap by asking: How do individuals make sense of political narratives on social media, and how does this shape their political perceptions? Using an interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA), the study explores participants’ lived experiences to reveal how political meaning is constructed through personal reflection and emotional engagement. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve social media users, and the data were analyzed thematically. The analysis identified three central themes: emotional resonance as a catalyst for political engagement, cognitive reorientation through narrative internalization, and tension between trust and skepticism in digital discourse. These findings suggest that individuals critically and reflexively interact with political information, reshaping their political identities in the process. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of how political subjectivity is formed in digitally mediated environments and highlights the importance of affective and interpretive dimensions often overlooked in prior research. These insights hold relevance for scholars, educators, and policymakers aiming to foster critical digital citizenship in increasingly polarized media landscapes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Renny Kurniawati (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Living the Dilemma: Investigative Journalists’ Experiences of Ethical Conflict in the Digital Newsroom
Investigative journalism in the digital era presents complex ethical challenges influenced by commercial, political, and technological pressures. While existing literature has explored media ethics through normative frameworks, limited research has examined how journalists personally experience and navigate ethical dilemmas in real-time reporting contexts. What remains unclear is how investigative reporters interpret ethical conflicts during the production of controversial news stories under institutional constraints. This study adopts an interpretative phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of investigative journalists when facing such dilemmas. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight journalists actively engaged in digital investigative reporting, and the data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The findings reveal four major themes: tension between personal integrity and institutional pressure, the role of fear in self-censorship, ambiguity in ethical guidelines, and professional resilience through alternative strategies. These themes highlight ethical decision-making as a dynamic and emotionally charged process shaped by internal reflection and external limitations. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of journalistic ethics as experienced in practice, suggesting the need for more supportive ethical frameworks and newsroom policies. This study offers meaningful insights into the human dimension of journalism and encourages future research into culturally and structurally diverse media environments.
Copyright (c) 2025 Djarot Hindarto (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Negotiating Authenticity in the Attention Economy: The Lived Experience of Streaming Creators Under Commercial Pressure
Digital media production has transformed content creation into a globally accessible form of labor, where authenticity plays a central role in shaping audience relationships. Within this evolving landscape, independent streaming creators face increasing pressure to balance personal expression with commercial demands. However, little is known about how creators interpret and maintain authenticity under such conditions, prompting the core question: how do streaming content creators experience authenticity amidst commercial pressures? This study adopts an interpretative phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of creators and uncover how they construct meaning in response to these tensions. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with ten experienced digital content creators and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three core themes emerged: the tension between creative freedom and algorithmic influence, the strategic performance of authenticity, and the role of self-reflection and community in negotiating integrity. These findings reveal that authenticity is not a static trait but a fluid, dynamic negotiation shaped by socio-technical and emotional factors. The study deepens our understanding of digital identity work, emphasizing the emotional and ethical labor embedded in content creation. Its insights contribute to both theoretical discourse and practical considerations for supporting digital creators in increasingly commodified media environments.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sri Narti (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0