The study was conducted by Lidwina Febian Yumanisa, Nisa Lathifah, Shinta Hartini Putri, and Anggita Lestari from the Communication Studies Program at UNIBI. Published in 2026 in the International Journal of Advance Social Sciences and Education (IJASSE), the research highlights how digital fandom practices contribute to identity formation and positive social interaction.
As the Korean Wave continues to influence popular culture worldwide, online communities have become increasingly important spaces for fan engagement. Among TXT fans, known collectively as MOA, Selca Day is held every month on the 22nd. Participants upload selfies placed alongside photos of their favorite idols and use hashtags such as #MOASD and #MOASelcaDay.
Unlike many K-pop fans who prefer anonymous fan accounts and idol profile pictures, Selca Day encourages fans to reveal their own faces and identities. This unique practice turns social media into a platform for self-expression and community building.
To understand the phenomenon, the researchers adopted Alfred Schutz’s phenomenological approach. Using qualitative methods, they collected data through observation, in-depth interviews, and literature review. Three main informants and one supporting informant who actively participate in Selca Day provided insights into their motivations and experiences.
The study identified two categories of motivations behind participation.
The first consists of motivations rooted in previous experiences. Participants said that being devoted K-pop fans and feeling emotionally connected to TXT naturally led them to participate in Selca Day. They viewed the activity as an extension of fandom culture and a way to enjoy being part of the community.
The second category includes future-oriented motivations. Fans join Selca Day to interact with fellow MOAs, gain appreciation through likes and comments, and showcase their creativity through photography, editing, and visual concepts.
Researchers found that Selca Day offers both personal and social experiences. Before posting, participants carefully prepare their content by selecting poses, editing photos, and writing creative captions. This process provides a sense of achievement and satisfaction.
Social interactions through comments, reposts, and likes also play an important role. Fans described feeling closer to one another and experiencing a strong sense of belonging within the fandom community.
One of the study’s most notable findings is the impact of Selca Day on self-confidence. Some participants initially hesitated to share their personal photos publicly because they feared criticism or negative judgment. However, repeated participation and supportive feedback from other fans gradually helped them become more comfortable with expressing themselves online.
According to the researchers, Selca Day carries several important meanings for Indonesian TXT-MOA fans.
- A platform for self-expression and creativity.
- A space for mutual appreciation and encouragement.
- A means of building and maintaining social relationships.
- A source of empowerment that increases confidence and self-acceptance.
Anggita Lestari and her colleagues emphasize that Selca Day is far more than a simple entertainment activity. It represents a meaningful form of digital communication where identity, creativity, and interpersonal relationships are continuously constructed and negotiated.
The findings also challenge common stereotypes about K-pop fandom. Rather than being superficial or obsessive, fan communities can provide supportive environments that foster emotional well-being and positive social experiences.
From an academic perspective, the researchers recommend further studies on other forms of digital fandom participation, including streaming parties, charitable activities, and online collaborative practices. They also suggest that future research could employ virtual ethnography to better understand highly active online communities.
For the general public, the study offers a broader perspective on contemporary fan culture. Digital communities, the researchers argue, can become healthy spaces where individuals develop confidence, expand their social networks, and cultivate a sense of belonging.
Author Profiles
Lidwina Febian Yumanisa is a researcher from the Communication Studies Program at Universitas Informatika dan Bisnis Indonesia with interests in digital communication and popular culture.
Nisa Lathifah is an academic at Universitas Informatika dan Bisnis Indonesia whose research focuses on communication and social media studies.
Shinta Hartini Putri is a lecturer and researcher specializing in digital culture and media communication.
Anggita Lestari is a lecturer and researcher at Universitas Informatika dan Bisnis Indonesia with expertise in communication studies, digital communication, and popular culture.
Research Source
Yumanisa, Lidwina Febian; Lathifah, Nisa; Putri, Shinta Hartini; Lestari, Anggita. (2026).
“Selca Day as a Digital Communication Practice: A Phenomenological Study Based on Alfred Schutz’s Perspective among TXT-MOA Fans in Indonesia on Social Media X.”
International Journal of Advance Social Sciences and Education (IJASSE), Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 143–154.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijasse.v4i3.1
Official Journal Website: https://journalijasse.my.id/index.php/ijasse
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