Flexing sebagai Simulakra Status Sosial di Era Digital

Nandea Khodijah; Vini Anggun Pratiwi; Ridho Adji Maulana; Vieronica Varbi Sununianti; Istiqoma Istiqoma; Deni Aries Kurniawan

doi:10.62383/risoma.v4i3.1701

Flexing sebagai Simulakra Status Sosial di Era Digital

Authors

Nandea Khodijah Universitas Sriwijaya
Vini Anggun Pratiwi Universitas Sriwijaya
Ridho Adji Maulana Universitas Sriwijaya
Vieronica Varbi Sununianti Universitas Sriwijaya
Istiqoma Istiqoma Universitas Sriwijaya
Deni Aries Kurniawan Universitas Sriwijaya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62383/risoma.v4i3.1701

Keywords:

Flexing, Self-Representation, Simulacra, Social Media, Social Status

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the phenomenon of flexing on social media as a representation of social status in digital society through the perspectives of Jean Baudrillard’s simulacra theory and Erving Goffman’s self-presentation theory. The research employs a qualitative method using content analysis of social media posts, particularly on Instagram and TikTok, that display flexing practices. The research data consist of photos and videos containing symbols of luxury, such as branded goods, luxury vehicles, exclusive locations, and consumptive lifestyles. The findings reveal that flexing is not merely an act of showing off, but also a conscious self-representation strategy used to construct a particular social image. The luxury symbols displayed often do not fully reflect reality, but rather represent identity constructions that have been selectively curated and manipulated according to the desired image. From the perspective of simulacra, these representations have replaced reality itself, causing the boundary between reality and representation to become increasingly blurred. Furthermore, the phenomenon of flexing is closely related to consumer culture, the need for social recognition, and personal branding strategies in the digital era. Exposure to flexing content also encourages social comparison, which may lead to psychological pressure among audiences. Therefore, flexing can be understood as a multidimensional phenomenon reflecting changes in how individuals construct identity, perceive reality, and gain social legitimacy within digital society.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Andiny Putri Vanosha, Azizah Azizah, Febrian Febrian, Greshela Putrinova, Hafizah Luthfiyyah, Hayatul Fazila, … Perawati Perawati. (2026). Peran lnfluencer Media Sosial Membentuk Opini Publik di Kalangan Mahasiswa. Studi Administrasi Publik Dan Ilmu Komunikasi, 3(1), 01–10. https://doi.org/10.62383/studi.v3i1.895

Aprianto, A., & Sanjaya, M. (2025). Strategi Manajemen Media dalam Distribusi Konten di Era Penyiaran Digital: Studi Kasus pada TVMu. Jurnal Ilmu Komunikasi, Administrasi Publik Dan Kebijakan Negara, 2(4), 44–55. https://doi.org/10.62383/komunikasi.v2i4.646

Apul Perdolok Sinambela, Edy Soesanto, & Dimas Hartanto. (2025). Pengaruh Interaksi Sosial di Lingkungan terhadap Pembentukan Identitas Diri Pada Remaja. Studi Administrasi Publik Dan Ilmu Komunikasi, 2(1), 122–132. https://doi.org/10.62383/studi.v2i1.117

Arik, M., & Pradana, R. (2024). Manipulasi citra dalam praktik flexing di media sosial. Jurnal Ilmu Komunikasi Kontemporer, 8(1), 45–58.

Baudrillard, J. (1994). Simulacra and simulation (S. F. Glaser, Trans.). University of Michigan Press.

Belk, R. W. (1988). Possessions and the extended self. Journal of Consumer Research, 15(2), 139–168. https://doi.org/10.1086/209154

Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117–140. https://doi.org/10.1177/001872675400700202

Goffman, E. (1959). The presentation of self in everyday life. Anchor Books.

Hayati, N., Rahmawati, D., & Putra, A. (2022). Budaya konsumtif masyarakat digital dalam fenomena flexing media sosial. Jurnal Sosiologi Nusantara, 9(3), 201–214.

Hootsuite. (2024). Digital 2024 global overview report. https://www.hootsuite.com/resources/digital-trends

Juliyah Juliyah, Romawinsa Siringoringo, Siti Rohma, & April Laksana. (2025). Tantangan Komunikasi Generasi Z dalam Perkembangan Digital di Era Teknologi 5.0. Jurnal Ilmu Komunikasi, Administrasi Publik Dan Kebijakan Negara, 2(1), 48–59. https://doi.org/10.62383/komunikasi.v2i1.138

Nasrullah, R. (2020). Media sosial: Perspektif komunikasi, budaya, dan sosioteknologi (Cetakan ke-6). Simbiosa Rekatama Media.

Pohan, A. R., Siregar, M., & Harahap, N. (2023). Fenomena flexing di media sosial sebagai bentuk eksistensi diri generasi muda. Jurnal Komunikasi dan Media Digital, 5(2), 112–124.

Uyun, Q. (2023). Dampak psikologis fenomena flexing pada pengguna media sosial. Jurnal Psikologi Sosial Indonesia, 11(1), 77–89.

Veblen, T. (1899). The theory of the leisure class. Macmillan.

Zultan, F., Maulana, I., & Saputra, R. (2025). Flexing sebagai strategi personal branding di era digital. Jurnal Kajian Media dan Komunikasi, 6(1), 33–47.

Downloads

Published

2026-05-29

How to Cite

Nandea Khodijah, Vini Anggun Pratiwi, Maulana, R. A., Sununianti, V. V., Istiqoma Istiqoma, & Kurniawan, D. A. (2026). Flexing sebagai Simulakra Status Sosial di Era Digital. RISOMA : Jurnal Riset Sosial Humaniora Dan Pendidikan, 4(3), 294–300. https://doi.org/10.62383/risoma.v4i3.1701