Investigating The Impact of Digital Technology on Adolescent Identity Formation on Selected Students in SAIS: A Psychological Approach

Abstract

Teenagers are today living in a hybrid world that connects digital spaces to offline contexts; we are amid a global shift where digital "screens" are no longer only entertainment devices yet a major distraction. Adolescence is a period of self-actualization, self- integration, and, in the current era, consistent social media performance. Conflicts in the identity vs. role confusion stage of Erik Erikson and James Marcia theory of identity statues model are addressed throughout this research. A survey, sent to Sharjah American International School high school students, explores the aftermath of the online metaverse impact on their identity development. The aim of the present study was to examine the interrelationships between adolescent media activity and identity development through studying behavioral outcomes to psychological analyze results. Participating in the study were 19 adolescents ages 13 to 19 (mean age 17). The results showed identity was however negatively associated with time spent using the network on social media and communicating. On the other hand, identity style was also positively associated with adaptive media- related cognitions, such as benefiting from the online metaverse to absorb new knowledge constantly. The results are discussed regarding practical implications and recommendations for enhancing parenting styles and guidance of adolescents.