Self- Construction and tactics for creating humor by “Juree” on TikTok, “Lang Lao Channel”

Abstract

This research aimed to study self- construction and tactics for creating humor on TikTok, Lang Lao Channel. Data were collected from “TikTok, Lang Lao Channel” where 683 video clips were presented during 21 April 2021 to 31 October 2022, 82 video clips were selected using a purposive sampling method. The selected clips were transcribed and contextual information was documented. The data were then categorized and analyzed, with a focus on self-construction, identity, and the strategies used to create humor. The research results revealed that 1. Self-construction according to the role of “Juree” was full of interesting content created for audiences so that they are able to follow through appearance, clothing, accessories, habits, behavior and the use of Thai southern dialect. The presentation of southern culture made audiences to see “Juree’s identity” explicitly. 2.There were 13 tactics for creating humor, i.e.1) exaggeration in 116 messages, 2) language usage in 69 messages, consisting of the use of idioms, creating puns, creating new words, 3) parody in 46 messages, 4) deviation in 35 messages, 5) the use of conflict in behavior in 32 messages, 6) analogy in 31 messages, 7) indecency of something or someone in 25 messages, 8) plot twist in 19 messages, 9) the use of messages displayed at the wrong time in the wrong place in 18 messages, 10) modification of the severity of a situation to be distorted from the fact in 12 messages, 11) captivating the audiences in 11 messages, 12) the use of mistakes in 10 messages and 13) switching player characters in 7 messages The findings highlight how local identity is communicated through online media in ways that foster a deeper understanding of local culture, while also being effectively adapted to produce humorous content that resonates with and entertains viewers.