Social Media Narratives and Their Impact on Youth Identity Formation

  • Authors

    • Ole Secher Olesen Professor, Aalborg University, Denmark. Author

    DOI:

    https://doi.org/10.67228/3071561X/IJIRHT-2024PI4M6W

    Published 05-04-2024

  • Social Media Narratives, Youth Identity Formation, Digital Identity, Social Identity Theory, Narrative Analysis, Online Communities, Digital Literacy, Psychological Development, Social Networks, Youth Behavior

    Issue

    Vol. 7 No. 1 (2024)

    Section

    Articles

    How to Cite

    [1]
    O. S. Olesen, “Social Media Narratives and Their Impact on Youth Identity Formation”, IJIRHT, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 01–15, May 2024, doi: 10.67228/3071561X/IJIRHT-2024PI4M6W.

  • Abstract

    Social media has become a powerful influence on youth identity formation, shaping how young people perceive themselves, society, culture, and belonging. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Facebook, and X provide opportunities for self-expression, creativity, and social connection, while also presenting challenges such as social comparison, cyberbullying, misinformation, and identity confusion. This study examines the impact of social media narratives on youth identity development using theories of social identity, narrative identity, symbolic interactionism, and media influence. A mixed-method approach involving surveys, behavioral analytics, sentiment analysis, and narrative classification is proposed to evaluate the relationship between social media engagement and identity outcomes. The findings reveal that social media narratives significantly affect self-esteem, cultural awareness, sense of belonging, and behavioral adaptation. Positive and authentic narratives support healthy identity development, while negative or unrealistic content can harm psychological well-being. The study highlights the importance of digital literacy, community engagement, and responsible platform design in fostering positive identity formation and promoting a healthier digital environment for future generations.

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