Exploring Body Image And Identity: A Semiotic Study Of Viral Tiktok Reels In Pakistan

Abstract

This research examines how TikTok creators construct and present identities through symbolic interactionism and the Communication Theory of Identity (CTI). Analyzing a series of TikTok videos featuring Pakistani creators, the study explores how attire, gestures, settings, and props are utilized to perform and negotiate identities. D[1]rawing on Identity Theory, which posits that identity is shaped through social roles and interactions, and CTI, which emphasizes the multifaceted nature of identity across personal, relational, enacted, and communal layers, this research reveals how digital platforms like TikTok facilitate identity expression and negotiation. Through semiotic analysis, the study uncovers how symbols and cultural codes convey nuanced meanings, influencing audience perceptions and interactions.