Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In the digital age, social media has revolutionized how young women perceive fashion, identity, and body image. Platforms such as Xiaohongshu, Instagram, and TikTok serve as spaces of expression, but also as mechanisms of commercial influence. This paper explores how two fashion influencers—Tansuan and Acrylicn—shape gendered aesthetics, body norms, and consumption behavior through curated content. Using feminist media theory and a socio-cultural lens, the study analyzes their posts and audience interactions to unpack the tensions between empowerment and conformity in digital culture. A third case study introduces Nuanhua, whose body-neutral approach contrasts with dominant influencer trends. As influencer culture continues to reshape how women relate to fashion, identity, and digital visibility, its impact cannot be left solely to platform algorithms, brand marketing teams, or personal taste. The findings of this study, drawn from three distinct yet influential figures, underscore the importance of developing multi-level strategies to ensure that the influencer ecosystem evolves in a more ethical, inclusive, and emotionally sustainable direction.
DOI: 10.62051/ebz5kb58
Author: Kang Wang
Institution: Pennsylvania State University
Language: English
Topic: Gender, Feminism, and Media
Subfield: Gender Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Gender equality
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4413438448