Date of Graduation

8-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Communication (MA)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Communication

Advisor/Mentor

Khan, Abraham

Committee Member

Leach, Rebecca

Second Committee Member

Branton, Scotti

Keywords

Communication Theory of Identity; Content creator; Identity; Identity gap; TikTok; Transparasocial relationship

Abstract

This study investigated transparasocial relationships as they relate to identity management for content creators. Unlike traditional parasocial relationships, transparasocial relationships indicate high levels of interactivity between the creator and audience members. This study investigates how this interactivity affects the identity of the creators, specifically content creators on TikTok. A diverse set of 21 creators were reached out to and interviewed in a semi-structured respondent style over videoconference calls. Thematic analysis was conducted to discover how these creators are managing their identities within the context of their roles as content creators. A particular interest was taken to see if there were any indicators of a cognitive dissonance understood as an identity gap occurring due to their transparasocial relationships. Identity gaps and identity were defined by the Communication Theory of Identity. CTI was applied in a computer-mediated context for the first time to the knowledge of the author for this study. Similarly, the transparasocial model was applied in a top-down capacity for the first time as well. Through analysis, this study found that the mechanisms of TikTok allow content creators to have seemingly healthy identity perceptions. Having the autonomy to create when, how, and what they want, coupled with their ability to cultivate their desired relationships with their followers creates space for communication satisfaction to be reached. Content creation was found to be a personal experience that can be fulfilling for the creator communicatively.

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