Social Media: New Social Areas for People in Nepali Context

Abstract

This research explores how social media users perform fluid identities to express emotional stress and blurred self-boundaries. It is not just city folks, either—everyone from college kids to farmers is curating their own digital persona. Goffman’s dramaturgical theory, within the context of Nepal’s changing social media landscape, suggests that we are all actors on a stage. Everyone has got a frontstage (that carefully filtered selfie with the perfect caption) and a backstage (the stuff users would never post, obviously); this is the traditional role of Nepali society. There’s room to be whoever you want, sometimes even too much room. This study examines 150 Nepali social media users who responded questions about their posts and images, as well as 50 social media users who provided their insights in interviews. Social media is no longer just a megaphone, and it is a powerful tool for connecting people. It is this messy, ever-changing space where people figure out who they are, juggle power dynamics, and—let’s be honest—sometimes get totally overwhelmed. The growth of digital society brings challenges: online misinformation, cyberbullying, identity distortion, and mental stress. Social media is more than a communication tool—it is a dynamic social space where people negotiate identity, power, and performance. Cyberbullying, fake news, and identity crises are real headaches, but there’s also a ton of creativity and connection happening.