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This study aims to analyze the phenomenon of flexing on social media as a representation of social status in digital society through the perspectives of Jean Baudrillard’s simulacra theory and Erving Goffman’s self-presentation theory. The research employs a qualitative method using content analysis of social media posts, particularly on Instagram and TikTok, that display flexing practices. The research data consist of photos and videos containing symbols of luxury, such as branded goods, luxury vehicles, exclusive locations, and consumptive lifestyles. The findings reveal that flexing is not merely an act of showing off, but also a conscious self-representation strategy used to construct a particular social image. The luxury symbols displayed often do not fully reflect reality, but rather represent identity constructions that have been selectively curated and manipulated according to the desired image. From the perspective of simulacra, these representations have replaced reality itself, causing the boundary between reality and representation to become increasingly blurred. Furthermore, the phenomenon of flexing is closely related to consumer culture, the need for social recognition, and personal branding strategies in the digital era. Exposure to flexing content also encourages social comparison, which may lead to psychological pressure among audiences. Therefore, flexing can be understood as a multidimensional phenomenon reflecting changes in how individuals construct identity, perceive reality, and gain social legitimacy within digital society.

This study aims to analyze the comparison of personal branding strategies implemented by Amry Sophia MUA and Lia Makeup through social media portfolios. The research used a qualitative approach with a comparative case study design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, digital observations on Instagram and TikTok accounts, and documentation of both participants’ portfolio content. Data analysis was conducted through verbatim transcription, thematic analysis, and triangulation between interview results and digital observation findings. The results show that Amry Sophia MUA builds personal branding through a consistent visual identity characterized by a modern glam look and Thailand makeup style that appears soft, flawless, and elegant. The target market is more focused on wedding makeup and young adult brides-to-be. Meanwhile, Lia Makeup presents a flawless natural look that is more flexible and suitable for a wider audience. Lia Makeup is also supported by a media team, making the content management more structured and consistent. Both MUAs use Instagram as a visual portfolio platform and TikTok as a medium to show makeup processes, tutorials, and audience interaction. In addition, quick responses, customer testimonials, and authenticity are important factors in building trust and a professional image on social media. Therefore, this study indicates that strong personal branding can be developed through visual consistency, appropriate content strategies, audience segmentation, and effective communication with potential clients.

This community service activity aimed to strengthen the branding and improve the digital marketing capacity of the Tape Ketan MSME in Mondoteko Village through the utilization of social media and packaging innovation. The business partner faced several major problems, including weak business visual identity, limited use of social media as a promotional tool, and simple product packaging designs that were less attractive to consumers. These conditions resulted in low product appeal and limited marketing reach. The implementation method used a participatory approach through direct assistance to business owners. The activity stages included initial observation, identification of partner needs, design of promotional banners, creation and optimization of social media accounts, and redesign of product packaging to make it more modern, informative, and marketable. In addition, MSME owners were educated about the importance of branding, digital marketing strategies, and consistency in building a business image. The results showed an increase in the understanding and skills of MSME owners in utilizing digital media for promotion. Product packaging became more attractive and professional, while the use of social media became more active and organized. These improvements had a positive impact on increasing consumer interest, expanding market reach, and enhancing the competitiveness of MSMEs in a sustainable manner.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Kemasantani Village have considerable potential in developing cassava-based products using MOCAF flour, particularly Antari chips. However, limited brand identity, unattractive packaging, and the underutilization of digital marketing have constrained product competitiveness and revenue growth. This community service program aimed to strengthen branding and optimize digital marketing strategies to support MSME revenue growth. A qualitative participatory approach was employed through surveys, interviews, observations, documentation, and direct assistance in brand identity development, packaging redesign, and social media management. The results indicate improvements in product image, packaging attractiveness, and market reach through digital platforms. The integrated application of branding and digital marketing successfully increased consumer engagement and led to an approximate 35% increase in MSME revenue within a three-month period. These findings suggest that strategic branding and digital marketing are effective approaches for enhancing competitiveness and ensuring the sustainability of locally based MSMEs in rural areas.

The rapid development of digital media, particularly YouTube, has encouraged personal branding practices among content creators in the gaming sector. This study analyzes how Tobias Justin constructs his personal branding through the Jess No Limit YouTube channel using Montoya's (2002) eight-component personal branding theory, namely specialization, leadership, personality, distinctiveness, visibility, unity, persistence, and goodwill. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach with a case study design, data were collected through online observation of 15 videos published between 2023 and 2025, digital documentation, and digital footprint analysis. Data were analyzed using Miles and Huberman's (1994) interactive model. Findings reveal that Tobias Justin's personal branding is built through consistent specialization in Mobile Legends gameplay, an authentic and humble personal narrative, a relaxed yet persuasive communication style, and sustained positive audience engagement. Audiences actively reinforce his image as a professional, inspiring figure, demonstrating that personal branding is a dialectical process involving creator presentation and collective audience validation. This study concludes that effective digital creator branding is shaped by value consistency, technical competence, and strategic audience relationship management, not mere popularity. Comparative research across gaming creators or platforms is recommended to extend generalizability.

This study aims to analyze the effect of employer branding on the job interest of Generation Z in digital companies. The background of this research is based on the increasing competition among companies in attracting young talents, especially Generation Z, who have unique characteristics such as being highly adaptive to technology, prioritizing work-life balance, and having high expectations toward the workplace environment. Employer branding has become an essential strategy for companies to build an attractive and competitive image as an employer. This study employs a quantitative approach using a survey method. Data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed to 100 respondents from Generation Z who are seeking jobs or interested in working in digital companies. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. Data analysis techniques include validity testing, reliability testing, simple linear regression analysis, and t-test. The results indicate that employer branding has a positive and significant effect on Generation Z’s job interest. This implies that the better the company’s image as an employer, the higher the interest of Generation Z to work in the company. This study suggests that digital companies need to strengthen their employer branding strategies to attract and retain young talents.

This study explores how young legislative candidates at the local level utilize Instagram as a campaign medium in the era of political digitalism. The focus is on two DPRD candidates in Tangerang City during the 2024 election in Electoral District 3 (Cipondoh–Pinang): Muhamad Azka Nur Fauzi from the National Mandate Party and Ashma Nafilah Maulida from the Prosperous Justice Party. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach and in-depth interviews with key informants, this research analyzes their personal branding strategies using Peter Montoya’s eight laws of personal branding.  The findings reveal that despite their relatively small number of followers, both candidates successfully built authentic and community-relevant political images. MANF emphasized UMKM development and religiosity, aligning with his personal background, while ANM highlighted humanistic social programs and her unique writing hobby. Nevertheless, both still showed weaknesses in several of Montoya’s principles, particularly distinctiveness and visibility consistency. The study concludes that Instagram is not merely a low-cost promotional tool but a strategic platform for local candidates to foster public trust, provided their personal branding remains authentic, consistent, and responsive to local needs.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are one of the key pillars of the rural economy, including in Karangkuten Village. Although they exist in significant numbers and possess considerable economic potential, most rural MSMEs still face various limitations in the marketing aspect, particularly in utilizing rapidly developing digital media. This Community Service Program (KKN) of the Faculty of Economics aims to support the digitalization process of MSMEs through the creation of engaging promotional videos integrated with the official website of Karangkuten Village. The implementation method of this program includes stages of socialization for MSME actors, video recording in six hamlets, a systematic editing process, as well as uploading and handing over the results to the village government. The results of the activity indicate that this program successfully produced MSME promotional video content that is not only engaging and informative but also suitable for publication on the village website as a digital promotional medium. In addition to increasing the visibility and branding of MSMEs, this program also contributes to strengthening the image of Karangkuten Village as a culinary village and a center for innovative creative MSMEs. This program is expected to provide long-term impacts in improving the competitiveness of MSMEs and encouraging sustainable and inclusive rural economic growth.

The development of digital media has encouraged various forms of identity representation on video-sharing platforms such as YouTube. In this context, mukbang content functions not only as entertainment but also as a medium for constructing creators’ personal branding. This study aims to analyze how personal branding is constructed in food vlogging and mukbang content produced by Tanboy Kun on YouTube. This research employs a qualitative approach using qualitative content analysis to identify communication patterns, visual representations, and thematic consistency within the videos. The analysis is based on six indicators of personal branding by Montoya and Vandehey (2002): specialization, personality, distinctiveness, visibility, persistence, and goodwill, reinforced by Roland Barthes’ semiotic approach at the levels of denotation, connotation, and myth. The findings indicate that personal branding is constructed through the consistent concept of extreme and spicy food as specialization, expressive communication style as personality, content differentiation as distinctiveness, upload intensity as visibility, format continuity as persistence, and positive image formation through attitudes and interaction as goodwill. These results demonstrate that personal branding in mukbang content is strategically formed through consistent and structured representation. This study contributes to digital communication research, particularly in understanding personal identity construction in video-based media.

This community service research was conducted to examine the implementation of branding development through a Car Free Day event as a strategy to enhance communication and visual identity at Telaga Harmony Residence. The background of this study is the need for effective community branding to strengthen public awareness, social engagement, and residential image in a growing housing area. The objective of this activity was to apply integrated communication and visual strategies that support brand identity through participatory public events. The method employed was a participatory and collaborative approach involving residents, organizers, and local stakeholders, supported by promotional media, visual design elements, and social interaction activities. The findings indicate that the Car Free Day event successfully increased community participation, strengthened visual recognition of the residential brand, and improved public perception of Telaga Harmony Residence as a healthy and environmentally friendly housing area. The implications of this study suggest that community-based events combined with consistent branding and visual communication strategies can effectively enhance residential identity and social cohesion, and may serve as a reference for similar community development programs in the future.

The development of technology in the era of globalization has brought significant changes in society, particularly through the emergence of the internet and social media such as WhatsApp, X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, and TikTok, which facilitate rapid information dissemination. This development has also given rise to a new profession, namely content creators, who produce and share content in the form of images, videos, or text for branding, professional purposes, or self-expression, often resorting to sensationalism to attract audience attention. On the other hand, the ease of access to social media has also triggered the spread of negative content, including pornography, as evidenced by Komdigi/Kominfo data showing millions of blocked negative content, with X being one of the dominant platforms. In Islamic perspective, anything that leads to adultery is prohibited as stated in QS. Al-Isra verse 32. A prominent case is Dea OnlyFans (Gusti Ayu Dewanti) who was arrested for distributing pornographic content through OnlyFans and Google Drive, charged under the Pornography Law and ITE Law, and found guilty in the Supreme Court Decision Number 2086 K/Pid.Sus/2023. This study discusses 1) How are the differences in judges' considerations at the District Court, High Court, and Cassation? 2) Can the Supreme Court judges' considerations provide a deterrent effect? This research uses a descriptive method with normative legal research based on literature study, using primary, secondary, and tertiary legal materials.

MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) is a sub-sector with high economic value and a unique capacity to play a diplomatic role through interaction between international actors. At the regional level, the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit (Summit) has been used by Indonesia not only for economic purposes, but also as an arena for public diplomacy and soft power development. This article examines how the ASEAN Summit (especially the series of ASEAN 2023 activities spread across several locations including Labuan Bajo, Yogyakarta, and Jakarta) shows the function of MICE as a soft power instrument in Indonesian tourism diplomacy. By combining a literature review on soft power and tourism diplomacy, an analysis of official documents, MICE industry reports, and a case study of the 2023 ASEAN Summit, this paper identifies the mechanisms of influence, determinants of effectiveness, economic and reputational impact, and policy challenges. The results show that the ASEAN Summit provides a great opportunity for nation branding and international public engagement, but its effectiveness depends on policy synergy, MICE infrastructure readiness, image management, and post-event strategies to turn temporary exposure into long-term benefits.

This study aims to examine the global marketing strategies implemented by The Coca-Cola Company in maintaining its competitive position in international markets. The advancement of globalization requires multinational corporations to design marketing strategies that are not only globally standardized but also adaptable to local market characteristics and consumer needs. This research employs a descriptive qualitative method with a case study approach, conducted through the review of relevant literature, corporate reports, and academic journals. The findings indicate that Coca-Cola’s success in global marketing is supported by strong brand differentiation, an extensive global distribution network through partnerships with bottlers, and the application of the glocalization concept, which balances standardization and adaptation within the marketing mix. Furthermore, market expansion strategies are implemented systematically through the selection of target markets based on growth potential, accessibility, and competitive intensity. The study also reveals that the country of origin image of the United States serves as a positive brand asset by creating aspirational value and quality perceptions across various markets, although in certain contexts it also presents challenges that require strategic management. Overall, this study confirms that Coca-Cola’s global marketing strategy is capable of achieving sustainable competitive advantage through the integration of strong global branding, product innovation, and responsiveness to local market dynamics.

This study highlights the role of social media, particularly Instagram, as a digital communication tool to promote and preserve the local culture of Paubokol Village. This village has a unique cultural heritage, but its recognition and appreciation are still limited among people outside the area. By utilizing Instagram as the primary medium, this study focuses on effective digital communication strategies in presenting visual content and cultural narratives. The communication techniques applied include selecting representative images, creating engaging stories, and delivering information interactively to attract a wider audience. The results of this activity indicate that the use of Instagram not only increases public awareness of the cultural values ​​of Paubokol Village but also builds more constructive relationships between local residents and viewers from outside the area. Engaging visual content and informative narratives play a significant role in fostering a higher appreciation of cultural heritage and encouraging support for the preservation and development of the village's potential. This study illustrates how social media can function as a strategic communication tool in promoting local culture, expanding the reach of information, and creating a dynamic space for cultural interaction between the village community and the wider public. These findings open up opportunities for the development of more innovative digital strategies for local cultural preservation.  

This community service activity aims to improve students' understanding of the basic concepts of digital marketing and simple branding at Al-Ihsan Doglo Vocational School as a starting point for fostering an entrepreneurial spirit. This activity was carried out using a descriptive qualitative approach with methods of socialization, observation, interactive question and answer sessions, and documentation throughout the activity. The material provided included an introduction to information technology, digital marketing concepts, the use of social media as a promotional tool, and basic product branding principles that are easy for students to apply. The results of the activity showed an increase in students' understanding of digital marketing concepts, how to utilize social media productively, and an introduction to basic branding elements such as product names, logos, and brand images. The enthusiasm of the participants during the activity indicated that the socialization method used was effective in improving basic digital marketing literacy. This activity is expected to encourage students to be more creative, innovative, and ready to face the challenges of the business world in the digital era.

The use of social media is no longer just for information and entertainment, but has developed into a strategic means in building a positive self-image in the eyes of the public. School students are generally active users of social media whose intensity of use is quite high in daily life. As a group of teenagers who are still in the phase of finding their identity and tend to be emotionally labile, they need the right education to be able to use social media wisely, productively, and responsibly. Community Service activities carried out for students of SMK Wiyata Satya are expected to increase understanding of the importance of personal branding from an early age. Through this activity, students are not only given socialization about the concept of personal branding and social media ethics, but also equipped with practical skills in compiling portfolios and fostering awareness of career planning and goal achievement. At the end of the activity, students presented their self-concept that had been prepared and responded through a questionnaire to evaluate the effectiveness of the entire series of activities.

Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) face the problem of stigmatization and negative image that has been rooted in public perception for several decades, where the social construction of TKI is dominated by narratives of exploitation, violence, and victimization reinforced by conventional mass media coverage. The phenomenon of TKI emerging as content creators on the TikTok platform opens new opportunities for migrant workers to represent themselves independently and build personal Branding that has the potential to reconstruct their image in public perception. This study aims to analyze the personal Branding strategies of TKI content creators on TikTok, measure the engagement patterns and reach of the content produced, and evaluate the transformation of public perception toward Indonesian migrant workers as an implication of these digital communication practices. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study design to explore the process of image reconstruction through personal Branding on the TikTok platform. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with five TKI content creators who have followers ranging from 750 thousand to 2.3 million, interviews with 50 active followers, and interviews with two digital communication experts. The research findings show that TKI content creators implement personal Branding strategies through content authenticity, narrative consistency, and positioning differentiation with engagement rates. Public perception changed significantly with a decrease in negative perception from 68 percent to 18 percent and an increase in positive perception from 10 percent to 55 percent within an exposure period of more than 12 months. Image reconstruction occurs through three mechanisms: humanization that displays the human side of TKI, normalization that elevates the profession as work worthy of respect, and inspiration that demonstrates their positive achievements. This study recommends that the government and related stakeholders support digital literacy for migrant workers to optimize social media platforms as a means of empowerment, as well as promote policies that protect and appreciate the contribution of TKI as an integral part of national economic development.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a strategic role in driving local economic development, particularly in rural areas that rely on the utilization of local natural resources. However, many MSMEs still face challenges in marketing aspects, especially limited use of digital technology, weak branding, and unattractive product packaging. This community service activity aims to strengthen the marketing strategy of the “Nek Surati” cassava chips MSME located in Dolok Village, Nagori Boluk, Bosar Maligas District, Simalungun Regency. The methods employed include field observations, interviews with MSME actors, descriptive analysis of existing problems, and practice-based (hands-on) assistance through digital marketing training, improvement of packaging design, and strengthening of product branding. The results indicate an increase in the digital readiness of the MSME actor, as evidenced by the adoption of WhatsApp Business, the creation of digital product catalogs, and the utilization of social media as a promotional tool. In addition, improvements in packaging design and brand identity enhanced the visual appeal and product image in the eyes of consumers. This assistance activity had a positive impact on improving the marketing capacity of the MSME and opened opportunities for expanding market reach. With continuous assistance, the “Nek Surati” cassava chips MSME has the potential to increase its competitiveness and contribute more significantly to the local economy.

The transformation of public governance has encouraged a paradigm shift in public service delivery, from an administrative and procedure-oriented approach toward a citizen-centered and value-based model. In this context, public sector marketing has emerged as a strategic instrument to enhance service quality, institutional image, public participation, and trust. This study aims to examine the contemporary implementation of marketing strategies and planning in the public sector, with particular attention to their effectiveness and contextual relevance. The research adopts a qualitative descriptive approach through a systematic literature review of selected scholarly publications addressing public sector marketing, strategy implementation, digital governance, and public service management. The findings indicate that public institutions increasingly apply marketing principles not as commercial activities, but as mechanisms for creating public value through strategic communication, digital engagement, institutional branding, and stakeholder collaboration. However, the effectiveness of implementation varies across organizations and is strongly influenced by leadership capacity, human resources competence, organizational culture, and technological support. The study also reveals that public sector marketing strategies must be adapted to social, cultural, and institutional contexts, as private-sector models cannot be directly transferred. Theoretically, this study strengthens the positioning of marketing as an integral component of public governance. Practically, it provides insights for public organizations to develop contextual, responsive, and sustainable marketing strategies to improve public service performance and trust.

This research aims to identify the personal branding strategy implemented by Nusaibah Jazuli, a PKS faction member of the South Tangerang City Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD), in building a positive image during the 2024 Election campaign. The advancement of social media has transformed how politicians build and manage their self-image, making a strong personal brand a crucial tool for young politicians to achieve credibility and differentiation amid fierce competition. Employing a qualitative descriptive method, the study analyzes Nusaibah's approach using the Personal Branding Pyramid framework (determine who you are, determine what you do, position yourself, and manage your brand). The findings indicate that this strategy successfully built her reputation and credibility. This success is underpinned by the "Determine Who You Are" commitment, exemplified by donating her entire salary to community welfare. The "Determine What You Do" strategy is reinforced by tangible actions, including distributing 1,000 basic necessity packages and advocating for school bus services. Furthermore, she applied "Position Yourself" as a humble, people-oriented leader who is highly responsive to citizens' concerns, presenting herself as an equal to the community. Finally, "Manage Your Brand" involves consistent and continuous image maintenance. Overall, Nusaibah's ability to engage in relatable political communication successfully won public support and enhanced her reputation.