Date of Publication

12-1-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts Major in Communication Arts

Subject Categories

Film and Media Studies

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Communication

Thesis Advisor

Eleazar L. Del Rosario

Defense Panel Chair

Rona Hannah D. Amparo

Defense Panel Member

Jeremy Tan Tintiangko
Winston J. Baltasar

Abstract (English)

This thesis examined the use of “alter” accounts as a digital form of self-expression within the LGBTQIA+ community and how these alternate personas impact individual identity, self-esteem, and sense of belonging. With the rise of social media spaces that enable anonymity and freedom - such as X (formerly Twitter) - the alter world has become both a refuge and a platform to spark social change, yet it is often misunderstood and oversexualized in mainstream narratives.

Through a five-episode audio documentary podcast titled ALYAS: Ang Kabilang Tinig ng Alter, the researchers investigated the lived experiences of individuals within the alter community, uncovering how these online identities function as coping mechanisms against societal pressure, emotional struggles, and the need for acceptance. Each stand-alone episode focused on distinct yet interwoven themes: identity, refuge, friendship, survival, and digital advocacy.

Guided by personal narratives, soundbite interviews, and sound design, the project invites listeners to encounter the unseen reality of these alter users, beyond stigma and stereotype. The study offers a deeper understanding of online self-expression and digital intimacy within marginalized groups.

Keywords: alter, LGBTQIA+, stigma, identity formation, self-expression, digital intimacy, anonymity, marginalized, audio

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

Sinuri ng tesis na ito ang paggamit ng mga “alter” accounts bilang digital na anyo ng pagpapahayag ng sarili sa loob ng LGBTQIA+ na komunidad, at kung paano naaapektuhan ng mga alternatibong persona na ito ang identidad, kumpiyansa sa sarili, at pakiramdam ng pagiging kabilang ng isang indibidwal. Sa pag-usbong ng mga social media platforms na nagbibigay-daan sa anonymity at kalayaan - gaya ng X (dating Twitter) - ang alter world ay naging kanlungan at plataporma rin upang magbunsod ng pagbabago sa lipunan, ngunit madalas itong hindi nauunawaan at labis na nai-sexualize sa labas ng mainstream na naratibo.

Sa pamamagitan ng limang-episodyong audio documentary podcast na pinamagatang ALYAS: Ang Kabilang Tinig ng Alter, siniyasat ng mga mananaliksik ang mga karanasan ng mga indibidwal sa loob ng alter community, at natuklasan kung paano nagsisilbing coping mechanism ang mga online na identidad na ito laban sa presyon ng lipunan, emosyonal na pakikibaka, at pangangailangang tanggapin. Bawat episode, na maaaring pakinggan nang hiwalay, ay tumatalakay sa mga natatangi ngunit magkakaugnay na tema: identidad, kanlungan, pagkakaibigan, survival, at digital advocacy.

Sa pamamagitan ng personal na naratibo, soundbite interviews, at sound design, inaanyayahan ng proyekto ang mga tagapakinig na masilayan ang hindi nakikitang realidad ng mga alter users, lampas sa stigma at stereotype. Nagbibigay ang pag-aaral ng mas malalim na pag-unawa sa online na pagpapahayag ng sarili at digital intimacy sa loob ng mga marginalized na grupo.

Keywords: alter, LGBTQIA+, bahid ng stigma, pagbuo ng identidad, pansariling pagpapahayag, digital na paglalapit, anonimidad, marginalisado, audio

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Sexual minorities--Philippines; Gender identity--Philippines; Podcasts

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Embargo Period

12-4-2028

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Available for download on Monday, December 04, 2028

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