ABSTRACT
In the current era of the Internet, surfing on the Internet has become a form of entertainment for many young people. Among the numerous social hotspots at present, people are increasingly concerned about feminism and discussing it extensively. However, it cannot be ignored that a few feminist bloggers are suffering from the phenomenon of image collapse. To some extent, Goffman's Dramaturgical Theory applies to the study of this phenomenon. Therefore, the paper will use Goffman's theory to analyse the phenomenon, investigate the causes and consequences of it and make recommendations for a healthier development of feminism. The reasons include that some feminist bloggers whose image collapse lack rational thinking about feminism, be enticed by large commercial interests and lack proper impression management. The effects involve two levels which are individual level and social level. At individual level, the feminist bloggers’ image collapse may sustain losses of economic and renown and may suffer from virtual violence. At social level, the feminist bloggers’ image collapse may lead to the loss of cultural guiding power, disturb social order, and, to some extent, go against feminism. Finally, there will conclude that the feminist blogger should propel impression management and improve the authenticity of identity to avoid image collapse. The paper aims to raise awareness of feminism among the people and hopes the phenomenon of feminist bloggers’ image collapse will reduce. What is more, advises feminist bloggers to utilize social media effectively to make a genuine contribution to the development of feminism in China society.
