The impact of social media on youth identity and self-expression

Abstract

Young people today use social media as essential part of their daily lives which affects how they form their personal identities and show their individual identities. The study analyzes previous research about how social media platforms affect youth identity development and self-expression and relationship building and mental health. The research paper uses critical analysis to study research studies and theoretical frameworks and modern controversies in order to demonstrate how social media use creates both beneficial and harmful results. The research investigates how digital platforms function as spaces for people to test different identity options while they face problems with social comparison and authentic self-expression and mental well-being. The research shows that social media platforms affect users based on their developmental age and how they use the platform and which social media platforms they choose and their available offline resources. Digital literacy education and platform design enhancements and evidence-based solutions for healthy digital youth engagement should guide our recommendations to educators and parents and policymakers and research.

Keywords: Social Media, Youth, Self-Expression, Mental Health, Digital