Social media and disability: the impact of influencers on building digital citizenship

Abstract

The study analyzed the role of social media in the construction of digital identities and its impact on the inclusion of people with disabilities in Argentina. It explained how these platforms, especially Instagram, had evolved from simple spaces for interaction to arenas for social activism. The research showed that the definition of disability shifted from the medical model, which understood it as an illness, to the social model, which recognized the need to eliminate barriers, subsequently giving rise to the biopsychosocial model.
Data from INDEC (2018) confirmed the magnitude of disability in Argentina, with more than 3.5 million people presenting some form of difficulty. In this context, Instagram has established itself as a key space for raising awareness of functional diversity and encouraging the participation of people with disabilities. Hashtags were presented as useful tools for classifying and disseminating messages, strengthening the construction of online communities.
The analysis showed that influencers with disabilities did not limit themselves to seeking popularity, but used their profiles to normalize disability, promote empathy, and challenge social stereotypes. Their messages, characterized by authenticity and relatability, had a positive impact on their audiences and became contemporary forms of opinion leadership.
In conclusion, it was noted that social media offered new opportunities for inclusion, although barriers linked to the digital divide still persisted. Nevertheless, influencers with disabilities were key agents in transforming social perceptions and building a more inclusive digital citizenship.