The Cultural Conflicts in Virtual Communities Brought about by the Deconstruction of Social Identities in Media

Siyao Sui

doi:10.54254/2753-7064/2025.LC24846

Communications in Humanities ResearchOpen access

The Cultural Conflicts in Virtual Communities Brought about by the Deconstruction of Social Identities in Media

Research Article

Open Access

The Cultural Conflicts in Virtual Communities Brought about by the Deconstruction of Social Identities in Media

Siyao Sui ^1*

¹ Nanjing Media College

^*Corresponding author: 2023122101@cucn.edu.cn

Published on 11 July 2025

CHR Vol.72

ISSN (Print): 2753-7072

ISSN (Online): 2753-7064

ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-225-6

ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-226-3

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Abstract

As a technological empowerment tool, social media is profoundly reshaping the path of individual identity construction. Users reinterpret and reconstruct the traditional identity structure in the digital environment through role-playing, symbolic expression, etc., so as to achieve the recognition of self-expression and group belonging. However, this digital identity construction characterized by mobility has also caused a series of problems in virtual communities, leading to the complexity of identity and an increased sense of crisis. This article analyzes the correlation mechanism between identity structure and cultural conflict in combination with the theory of sociology and communication, and puts forward a governance path in order to build an inclusive virtual community as a reference and explore the identity structure. This study focuses on language use, interaction patterns and information dissemination mechanisms on social media platforms, and analyzes how these factors affect the construction and expression of individual identity. By deeply exploring the behavior patterns of users in different social media environments, the intrinsic connection between identity construction and cultural conflict can be revealed. Through case studies, we analyze how interaction within a specific community leads to the amplification of cultural differences and community polarization. On this basis, a targeted governance strategy is proposed to promote the harmonious coexistence of virtual communities and enhance mutual understanding and tolerance among community members.

Keywords:

Identity deconstruction, cultural community, cross-cultural dialogue, cultural conflict

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References

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References

[1]. Liu, R. (2024) “Hmm. Let’s Talk About Xiaohongshu. And TikTok Refugees. ” Sohu. com. Available at: https://www. sohu. com (accessed 2024).

[2]. Zhao, Y. and Tao, X. H. (2024) Characterization, Generation and Adjustment of Netizens’ Digital Identity Anxiety in the Era of Social Media. Young Reporter.

[4]. Melowitz, J. (2002) Disappearing Region: The Impact of Electronic Media on Social Behavior [M]. Trans. Xiao Zhijun. Beijing: Tsinghua University Press.

[5]. Hogan, B. (2010) The Presentation of Self in the Age of Social Media: Distinguishing Performances and Exhibitions Online. Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society, 30(6), 377–386.

[6]. Yu, G. M. (2011) New Horizons of Media: Frontier Exploration of Chinese Media Development. Beijing: Xinhua Publishing House.

[7]. Porter, J. (2012) Media Literacy (4th ed. ). Trans. Li Degang. Beijing: Tsinghua University Press.

[8]. Wang, N. , Yin, J. , Ma, Z. and Liao, M. (2021) The Influence Mechanism of Rewards on Knowledge Sharing Behaviors in Virtual Communities. Journal of Knowledge Management, 26(3), 485–505.

Cite this article

Sui,S. (2025). The Cultural Conflicts in Virtual Communities Brought about by the Deconstruction of Social Identities in Media. Communications in Humanities Research,72,60-67.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

About volume

Volume title: Proceedings of ICADSS 2025 Symposium: Art, Identity, and Society: Interdisciplinary Dialogues

ISBN: 978-1-80590-225-6(Print) / 978-1-80590-226-3(Online)

Editor: Ioannis Panagiotou, Yanhua Qin

Conference website: https://www.icadss.org/Lincoln.html

Conference date: 22 August 2025

Series: Communications in Humanities Research

Volume number: Vol.72

ISSN: 2753-7064(Print) / 2753-7072(Online)

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