Digital Self-Presentation on Instagram: A Qualitative Study on Nigerian Students’ Experiences of Cultural Identity and Adaptation

This study examines how Nigerian students studying at the American University of Cyprus represent their selves through Instagram and how these representations contribute to their cultural adaptation processes.The research is designed based on Goffman's "The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life" theory and Kim's "Theory of Cross-Cultural Adaptation."It analyzes how students perform their cultural identities through visual posts, stories, likes, and follower relationships on Instagram, and what roles these digital performances play in their adaptation to a new culture.Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 Nigerian students.The findings reveal that the students use Instagram not only as a platform for entertainment but also as a space for identity construction, cultural interaction, and social visibility.Participants stated that through digital sharing, they both preserve their sense of cultural belonging and adapt to new cultural norms.In conclusion, Instagram functions as a digital stage where Nigerian students perform their cultural identities and negotiate social acceptance.