How Does New Media Shape the Sense of Belonging and Social Identity? The Social and Psychological Processes of Sustainable Successful Reintegration for Rehabilitated People

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to explore the role of new media in shaping the social identity and reintegration of rehabilitated individuals (ex-offenders), given the increasing societal attention on their successful reintegration. The objective is to analyze how media dependency and social identity formation contribute to their sustainable reintegration into society. Methods: Conducted in 2022–2023, the study adopted a narrative research paradigm. It employed qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and participant observation, to investigate the decision-making processes of rehabilitated people under social adaptation pressures. The analysis was framed by media dependency theory and the two-dimensional model of social identity (Evaluation-Relationship). Results: The findings reveal that media dependency significantly enhances the construction of rehabilitated individuals’ social identity, aiding in their successful reintegration. The process of media dependency facilitates emotional support, providing an important outlet for resolving ambivalences in identity during the reintegration process. Moreover, media dependency strengthens the positive impact of new media on identity formation, thereby supporting sustainable reintegration into society. Conclusions: This study underscores the practical importance of media in identity reconstruction for rehabilitated individuals. The findings offer insights for policymakers to design more inclusive media policies that reduce stigmatization. Additionally, the results provide valuable guidance for social workers and counselors in leveraging new media to offer emotional support and identity reconstruction. Future research should examine identity formation in diverse socio-cultural contexts to further understand how new media can support sustainable reintegration.