Memahami Pengalaman Komunikasi Remaja Untuk Mengelola Perundungan Fat Shaming di Media Sosial Instagram

Abstract

Fat shaming on social media is often considered normal by society. In fact, it is not uncommon for fat shaming to trigger adverse effects for its victims. Therefore, victims need to manage communication as an effort to resolve the fat shaming they receive on Instagram. This research aims to understand teenagers' communication (bullying victims) to manage fat shaming on Instagram. This research uses the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) analysis method involving 5 teenagers (aged 18-24 years) who have experienced fat shaming on Instagram. The results show that the communication experience to manage fat shaming on Instagram begins with the informant's interpretation of the fat shaming comments received. The interviewee interpreted fat shaming as a disturbing comment and triggered the negative body image, which eventually led to a sense of unacceptance. The meaning then triggers the informant to respond to the abuser with an expression of annoyance and disapproval. Although the response did not solve the fat shaming problem, it was able to bring satisfaction to the informant. The expression of annoyance and dislike made to the bullies shows that the informant also needs reinforcement from others. Therefore, the informant began to share the fat shaming experience with friends for reinforcement and support. This reinforcement comes from the positive responses that friends give to the informants, in the forms of supportive words, calming, defenses, and comfort. On the other hand, it was also found that there was intrapersonal communication carried out by the informants as a form of reinforcement. This management brings out the meaning of the informant regarding the fat shaming experience that has been received, that is, the informant's reflection on himself which encourages him to make peace with himself, change for the better lifestyle, and make the informant aware about bad habits in consuming excessive sweets.