The Symbolic Politics of Virtual Idols: Identity Recognition and Brand Power Games in the Consumer Society

This article focuses on the symbolic politics of virtual idols in the consumer society and explores the complex relationship between them and identity recognition as well as brand power. By analyzing the symbol encoding mechanism of virtual idols, the construction path of identity recognition, and the game strategy of brand power, this paper reveals how virtual idols have become cultural symbols and power carriers in the consumer society. Research findings reveal that the symbolic politics of virtual idols not only reflects the technological and cultural logics of the consumer society but also demonstrates the leading role of brand power in cultural production and dissemination.