Uncensored Feeds and Social Advantages of Ilokano Alters on X

Abstract

The use of social networking sites such as X continues to evolve, with some individuals adopting secondary identities known as Alters. This study explores the digital space of Ilokano Alters to examine their motivations for creating alternative personas and the actions associated with them. Four Ilokano male Alters participated in nine months of observation and textual interviews, which documented their activities and achievements. The study identified six sub-themes describing their activities: teasing with nude images, posting sexual invitations, sharing other thirst-trap images, posting life updates, re-sharing adult content, and sharing motivational quotes. Collectively, these activities represent the overarching theme of uncensored feeds on X. In terms of achievements, four sub-themes emerged: self-expression, popularity, relationship building, and income generation, which together form the grand theme of social advantages. The findings suggest that social media platforms such as X can function as safe spaces for individuals who choose to perform anonymously, enabling them to construct identities, develop mental resilience, and foster social belonging--ultimately providing social advantages. These insights may be further explored across other socio-cultural demographics to deepen understanding of the emerging Alter phenomenon.