The phenomenon of "Jaksel kids" on social media, particularly TikTok, reflects not only a geographical location but has evolved into a symbol of lifestyle, speech patterns, and social habits associated with the urban middle to upper class. The aim of this research is to understand how the audience interprets satirical content and how this content plays a role in the formation of social identity as "Jaksel kids."
This study employs Audience Theory to examine how the audience interprets content through dominant, negotiated, and oppositional positions, supported by Social Identity Theory to understand the processes of categorization, identification, and social comparison that are formed.
The research adopts a qualitative approach using reception analysis based on Stuart Hall, characterized as descriptive qualitative research. Data was collected through Focus Group Discussions.
From the results of the research conducted by the researcher on 7 (seven) informants with different social characteristics, the majority were in a dominant position where the content reflects the life and becomes part of that group. There were also informants in a Negotiation position, where they acknowledged the reality of 'Jaksel kids' but still filtered personal experiences, and those in an opposing position who considered the content to reinforce negative stereotypes. Through the reception of these positions, satirical content plays a role in shaping stereotypes and the identity of 'Jaksel kids' on the social media platform TikTok.
The conclusion of this study is that satirical content on TikTok serves not only as entertainment but also as a space for the audience to construct social identity. The identity of "Jaksel kids" is formed through social background, personal experiences, and the way the audience positions themselves within specific social groups.