<![CDATA[This study aims to analyze the process of self-image formation of table tennis athletes on Instagram and to identify the factors influencing it among athletes in the former Kediri Residency area. This research is motivated by the rapid development of social media as a space for digital identity construction, particularly for athletes in building their existence and legitimacy in the public sphere. This study employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation involving four active table tennis athletes. The results show that the process of self-image formation occurs consciously through four main stages: self-perception, ideal self, self-presentation, and looking glass self. Self-image formation is influenced by four main factors: internal factors, social factors, media and environmental factors, and professional factors. Among these, professional factors, particularly achievements, are the most dominant in shaping athletes’ self-image. In conclusion, Instagram serves as a strategic space for athletes to construct, manage, and negotiate their digital self-image. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis proses pembentukan citra diri atlet tenis meja di media sosial Instagram serta mengidentifikasi faktor-faktor yang memengaruhinya pada atlet di wilayah Eks Karesidenan Kediri. Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh perkembangan media sosial yang berfungsi sebagai ruang konstruksi identitas digital bagi atlet dalam membangun eksistensi di ruang publik. Pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode deskriptif digunakan melalui wawancara mendalam, observasi, dan dokumentasi terhadap empat informan atlet tenis meja aktif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pembentukan citra diri berlangsung melalui tahapan self-perception, ideal self, self-presentation, dan looking glass self. Atlet membangun citra diri melalui persepsi positif terhadap kemampuan diri, keinginan dikenal sebagai atlet, pengelolaan konten secara selektif, serta pemaknaan respons audiens. Pembentukan citra diri dipengaruhi oleh empat faktor utama: internal, sosial, media dan lingkungan, serta profesional (prestasi, karier, dan sponsor). Faktor profesional berupa prestasi merupakan faktor paling dominan. Instagram berfungsi sebagai ruang strategis dalam membangun dan menegosiasikan citra diri atlet secara digital.]]>
