Youth Identity Formation in the Age of Digitalization

Abstract

The use of digital display devices has grown and continues to expand significantly over the past few years. Since contents in online media are numerous, more intense, and without space and time limitations, compared to face to face interactions, their influence is much greater than other social agents'. Taking into consideration that youth use digital media frequently and for a longer duration, they have a considerable contribution to the formation of new generations' identities. This study analyzes the impact of digital media use on youth in terms of identity formation. A quantitative study was conducted based on 312 respondents' self-reports. The findings showed that a positively significant relationship exists between social media exposure and identity formation. The stronger the social media exposure, the less certain respondents are in regard to themselves and their values and beliefs.