Digitized identities: A feminist examination of female authorship in China’s online literary sphere

Yunyi  Hu

doi:10.59400/cf2248

Yunyi Hu Division of Digital Humanities, School of Information Resource Management, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China

Article ID: 2248

Keywords: digital publishing; online literature; identity construction; feminist media studies; postmodern feminist theory; female authorship; digital media in China

Abstract

This study critically examines the identity construction of female writers within China’s burgeoning digital literary sphere through a Feminist Media Studies lens, with an emphasis on Postmodern Feminist Theory. Drawing from semi-structured interviews with 26 female online literature writers and thematic analysis of their narratives, the findings reveal that identity construction in this context is a diverse, dynamic, and interactive process. Key factors influencing this process include personal experiences, societal expectations, gender norms, audience feedback, and the affordances of digital platforms. The study highlights how female writers actively shape their identities, often challenging traditional gender norms and leveraging the interactive nature of digital platforms to negotiate their self-representation. Furthermore, it uncovers the pivotal role of reader-writer interactions and platform algorithms in shaping both their creative practices and their professional identities. These findings contribute to the understanding of gender dynamics within digital literature, offering insights into strategies for promoting gender equality and diversity in the online literary space.

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