REINTERPRETATION THE MEANING OF THE VEIL ON INSTAGRAM: STIGMATIZATION, IDEOLOGICAL CONTESTATION AND POPULARITY

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the use of the veil symbol on social media, as well as how the veil is interpreted by society in relation to trends, self-identity, and ideology. Social media, as part of new media, has become the main platform for individuals to express religious beliefs through symbols. However, the meaning of the veil in digital spaces is often reductive, as a complete reflection of religious practice without considering more complex contexts. This research uses a qualitative-descriptive method with a virtual ethnography approach to explore the phenomenon of using the veil symbol on Instagram in posts with the hashtag #cadar. Geertz's Symbol Theory is used to understand the role religious symbols play in shaping perceptions and social interactions in cyberspace. It was found that the veil narratives displayed contained many meanings and various expressions. First, the veil is used as a tool to seek popularity and commercialization, and the spread of socio-religious values. Second, the veil shows religious self-existence. Third, the veil on Instagram reflects digital identity rather than comprehensive religious practice. Fourth, the veil represents and reproduces the existence of Islamic groups and movements, especially communities oriented towards more conservative values, which often lead to stigmatization.