DPhil Student
Hertford College
Research: My doctoral research focuses on unraveling the complexities surrounding self-construction and self-presentation within the realm of Social Media Influencers (SMIs). Grounded in a qualitative ethnographic approach, the study centers on SMIs within the socio-cultural context of mainland China. It sheds light on the intricate interplay between their online presence and offline identities, exploring how the influencer experience shapes their self-perceptions and influences their social relations. My research also delves into the multifaceted process through which SMIs amass followers, exploring the nuanced dynamics in managing the delicate balance between authentic self-expression and the commercialization of their digital persona for financial gain or fame within the broader industry.
Areas of interest: digital anthropology, digital ethnography, social media anthropology, internet and society, digital culture
Email: xiaoyu.song@hertford.ox.ac.uk
