This project is an interactive, branching story based on HTML, where users can immerse themselves in the role of an influencer.
Project Video
Abstract
Before creating my project, I researched lifestyle influencers culture, focusing on their strategies for attracting attention and establishing intimacy with their followers. While there are many studies about life influencers in the Western world, the Chinese sphere remains largely unexplored. Throughout a case study of Xiaohongshu, I distilled the ideal avatar on it and examined how lifestyle influencers relentlessly pursue the ideal. Additionally, I wanted to question how fabricated identities affect authenticity in online communities? And how can we achieve a more authentic online community? Ultimately, my project aims to provoke critical reflection on the online avatar construction and influencer-follower connection. The background of my project involves an exploration of lifestyle influencer culture, particularly focusing on their tactics in captivating audiences and cultivating a sense of intimacy. While extensive studies exist on Western influencers, the Chinese realm remains under-explored. Through an in-depth examination of Xiaohongshu, I delved into the construction of an ideal avatar and analyzed the relentless pursuit of this ideal by lifestyle influencers. Moreover, I delved into literature concerning fabricated identities' impact on online authenticity and strategies to foster genuine connections within virtual communities. My design concept revolves around questioning the impact of fabricated identities on online authenticity and fostering genuine connections in virtual communities. To materialize this concept, I chose to develop an interactive website utilizing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This website enables users to immerse themselves in the role of an influencer, allowing them to make choices related to online behaviors. Through this approach, I aim to provoke critical reflection among users regarding online avatar construction and the dynamics of influencer-follower relationships.
Images
