CONSTRUCTING IDENTITY AND COMMUNALITY ON A SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM: An Exploration of #Igbotwitter Tweets

Abstract

Expanding on Vogel et al ’s (2014) idea of "fulfilling belongingness", this paper explores how the Twitter hashtag #Igbotwitter reflects a complex transnational dialogue about Igbo identity markers in a globalised media landscape. Adopting an interpretive thematic analysis, the study analysed 47 #Igbotwitter tweets shared by diaspora Nigerians . The analysis revealed some overarching themes like "The Igbos as Business-Minded People", "Cultural/Traditional Enthusiast", among others. This study draws attention to how social media provide users with a unique space to address cultural and socio-economic discourse, reconstruct identities, and refute cultural misconceptions on a transnational level. It further highlights how the users attempt to preserve and project the Nigerian Igbo identity and also fulfil a sense of belongingness in the current networked media environment. This study contributes to the literature on identity construction on digital platforms. To cite this article (7TH apa STYLE):: Udenze, S.. (2022). Constructing Identity and Communality on a Social media platform: An Exploration of #Igbotwitter Tweets. Journal Communication Spectrum: Capturing New Perspectives in Communication, 12(1), 11-28. http://dx.doi.org/10.36782/jcs.v11i2.2120