Self-Representation and Digital Risk Management Among Female University Students Using Social Media in Pekanbaru

The development of social media has opened space for young women to express their identity and build their digital self-representation, but on the other hand, it also carries risks. Digital networks are associated with gender norms and online gender-based violence. This study examines how female college students in Pekanbaru represent themselves on social media and understand the various risks they face. This qualitative study involved in-depth interviews and group discussions with seven female students from various universities who had experienced gender-based violence in the digital space. Patterns in self-representation, risks encountered, and response tactics used were found using thematic analysis. The impact of age, social class, local culture, and the perpetuation of patriarchal norms in the digital sphere were all examined using Pierre Bourdieu’s theoretical framework on intersectionality and symbolic power. The findings indicated that the participants encountered sexist remarks, body shaming, and privacy violations in addition to pressure to control their self-image. As a result, they created safeguards like limiting the amount of content they uploaded, using private accounts, and raising awareness of their online audience. In order to prevent gender-based violence in the digital sphere, this study highlights the significance of enhancing gender-aware digital literacy and fortifying regulations.