Ontic spacing of Balkan identity in virtual space
Abstract
The research examines the ontic spacing of Balkan identity in the virtual sphere by analysing the digital domain, specifically selected social media profiles and their content. The main research question is: can virtual spaces, when treated analytically alongside physical ones, participate in the constitution of ontic spaces that articulate and stabilise identity patterns? The central hypothesis is that certain online profiles and forms of symbolic representation not only reflect existing cultural characteristics but also contribute to their further transmission and shaping; therefore, they can serve as an environment for the ontic spacing of Balkan identity. The research context is grounded in contemporary trends on social media, which are increasingly entering the field of political science and becoming an important resource for understanding collective identities. The paper analyses specific examples, such as the profiles Balkan Dad and Justus Reid, which predominantly produce content in English, as well as Kruševac Geto, whose content is more locally oriented but resonates with a significant audience. Through humour, stereotypes, language, and local cultural patterns, these profiles articulate a recognisable Balkan code and achieve broad social visibility. The conclusion is that the analysed profiles do not constitute ontic spaces in themselves; rather, given their popularity, they function as virtual spaces within which the ontic spacing of Balkan identity unfolds. In this way, such content transcends the realm of entertainment and becomes a relevant indicator of the Balkans' cultural and identity positioning in the digital environment.