A Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis of Selected Instagram Posts of Local Saudi Arabian Social Media Influencers

Abstract

This research uses a Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis (MCDA) method to study the Instagram content shared by social media influencers from Saudi Arabia. The goal is to explore how these influencers manage and shape their personas in the changing social and cultural environment of Saudi Arabia. The advent of media has revolutionized how people express themselves, interact with others, and define their identities. In Saudi Arabia, there has been an increase in media users, giving rise to a community of influential online figures.

The research delves into the tools such as texts, images, emojis, and hashtags that influencers employ in their posts to present desired self-images and maintain influence over their followers. By examining the linguistic and intertextual elements in the chosen posts, the researchers aim to uncover these influencers' dominant narratives and rhetorical strategies. Furthermore, the study investigates the socio-implications of these identity constructions and their potential influence on evolving societal norms and values within Saudi Arabian society.