COMMUNICATION DYNAMICS BETWEEN COSPLAYERS AT COSPLAY EVENTS IN BANDUNG CITY

Abstrak

Communication is essential in human life, playing a major role in social interactions, including among cosplayers in Bandung City. This cosplay community is growing with many of ‘Jejepangan’ events that attract many particispants and create a festive atmosphere. This research explores the communication and interaction dynamics of cosplayers at cosplay events in Bandung using a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. Data collection techniques include observation and interviews to understand the interactions and communication between cosplayers. The research subjects were active cosplayers in cosplay events, selected through purposive sampling technique. The results showed that cosplayers in Bandung have a high sense of family, are helpful to each other, and are open to exchanging information about costumes and experiences, emphasizing the harmony of verbal and non-verbal language. They are often themselves when communicating at cosplay events.Their interactions are characterized by high solidarity and mutual help, both in practical and social aspects. The decision to interact with new cosplayers is influenced by the individual’s personal preferences, comfort level and experience in cosplay.