Curating Identity and Influence: The Intricacy of Users and Affordances

This paper examines the self-performance practices of “that girl” influencers on TikTok, focusing on their use of platform affordances to construct and project curated online identities. By combining political economy and discourse analysis, the research explores the interplay between TikTok’s technological evolution, cultural shifts, and user demands, as well as the aesthetic and performative strategies these influencers employ to connect with their audiences. The study underscores the mutual shaping of platforms and user practices in the digital landscape.