Digital masks
Digital masks
Zosia Pietras | 30.11.2024 | Identity; social media
Have you ever asked yourself: To what extent is my identity shaped by social media? I talked with my 13-year-old cousin the previous week, who said she was thrilled to download TikTok. She posted videos showing her aesthetic, healthy meals, workouts, and outfits. After some time, when people began to recognize her, she felt much more pressure and did not feel as much motivation and willingness to continue posting. Nevertheless, she didn’t want to disappoint her followers, so she kept doing so and soon realized that she didn’t align with her idealized version. Do you think that this is what many teenagers might have encountered? I am convinced that social media influences numerous areas of our lives and impacts our identity in the long run. While online platforms can be a fantastic tool to express ourselves, we must remember that this online version of us is merely a little part of who we are.
—-------------- SHAPING IDENTITIES
I got immersed in thoughts regarding this issue, so I looked for studies about this topic. I came across an intriguing article, where a student discussed the influence of social media on young people (visit this post → https://tutoring.hsa.net/blogs/students-published-works/lwl-to-what-extent-does-the-influence-of-social-media-platforms-shape-and-refine-the-identity-formation-process-in-adolescents-aged-14-to-18-years?srsltid=AfmBOorXJON9_2X5vx_Sd1peXE8scDxb0wRndXXRP-OWC4RFtP6ORg6f) Now, I am more confident that social media predominantly shapes our identity. Not only does it affect the way we perceive ourselves, but it also influences how we interact with others or make decisions. Do you agree? A researcher in her work indicated that online platforms play a significant role in teenagers’ lives, and can have both positive and negative effects. She emphasizes that online platforms provide multiple opportunities for self-expression and social interactions. On the other hand, they also expose us to influencers (that we compare with), cyberbullying, or unrealistic standards. I believe my cousin might have also experienced an issue mentioned in the article - “The pressure to conform to online norms and the constant feedback loop of likes and comments” - resulting in shaping how she perceived herself. How do you think social media influenced your interactions with others or how you see yourself?
—-------------- IMPACT ON SOCIETIES
After reading and deeply analyzing the article, I do not doubt that social media hugely influences our identity in areas such as self-esteem, personal development, or even relationships. Little do we realize how online platforms impact various aspects of our lives. Moreover, it is not limited to individual people - it affects society. For example, trends initiated on platforms such as Instagram or TikTok can rapidly spread worldwide, consequently determining how people dress, act, or speak. As Brian Solis (digital analyst) once said: “Social media is about sociology and psychology more than technology”. He indicates that the true meaning of social media doesn’t come from the technology behind it, but concentrates on our behavior and self-perception, sooner or later impacting our identity. Do you agree with Solis and his words? Share your outlook!
—-------------- I’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS
I encourage you to think further about this topic. How do you think social media impacts our identity? Do you think it benefits people or only pressures them? Let me know in the comments! Subscribe to this blog for more discussions on identity and social media, or check out related blogs:
“Self-identity through media platforms” [https://www.dontshowmytherapist.com/blog/self-identity-through-media-platforms]
“Having an online identity”
[https://maria-spiteri.medium.com/having-an-online-identity-ba4373dff1f2]
For further reading and a deeper understanding of this issue you might enjoy:
The Impact of Social Media on Self-Identity Formation: A Psychological and Sociological Perspective
[https://www.stasson.org/the-impact-of-social-media-on-self-identity-formation-a-psychological-and-sociological-perspective/]
I agree with Solis, since social media are heavily based on user activity and less on pre-written algorithms, and most of social media apps work on pretty much every device nowadays. Personally, I would hate to rely my decisions on influencers and their point of view. I am glad you mentioned that problem! I agree that our identity can be strongly influenced by social media, so we have to remember to take breaks from it once in a while! :]]]
OdpowiedzUsuńThis was such an engaging read! You’ve done a wonderful job exploring the profound impact social media has on shaping identities, especially among teenagers. The story about your cousin is incredibly relatable, and it highlights a common struggle many people face: the pressure to maintain an idealised online persona, even when it doesn’t align with their authentic self.I completely agree with your point that social media is both a tool for self-expression and a source of pressure. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram provide creative outlets, but they can also create unrealistic standards and foster comparison, which affects self-esteem and how we perceive ourselves. Your reference to Brian Solis’s quote really resonates—social media is deeply tied to our behaviors and psychology, often more than we realize.The feedback loop of likes and comments, as you mentioned, is a double-edged sword. It’s validating at times but can also feel overwhelming. I’ve personally noticed how social media influences not only my self-perception but also how I connect with others—it’s easy to feel like we need to curate every interaction for the "right" kind of response.Thank you for including additional resources and studies! They’re incredibly helpful for diving deeper into this topic. Looking forward to reading more from you!
OdpowiedzUsuńWhat an interesting blog! Never have I looked at social media the way you explained Solis's vision. Now when I think about it, it makes sense, social media influences us way more than we realise. It shapes how we interact with others and even how societies function. Your cousin is a great example of this phenomenon. She gained some followers which she was scared to disappoint, and that is why she felt the need to idealize herself. My question is how can we promote healthy social media habits, especially for teenagers? Great entry, truly engaging!
OdpowiedzUsuńWhat a thought-provoking and deeply reflective post! I think that many people can relate to the issue described in this post – they are lost on where the line is between their true and digital versions. I feel like social media primarily shapes our identity, and we cannot avoid it. It is an excellent tool for expressing our feelings and thoughts; however, as you said, it also has some disadvantages. That's why it is necessary to ask yourself the same question you asked in this blog before posting something online: "Who am I really—the person behind the screen or the one in front of it?" Your experience with digital detox is inspiring. How did you come up with this idea? It must have been an amazing feeling to be free from digital devices and your identity connected with them.
OdpowiedzUsuńTo answer your question – yes, I 100% agree with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's statement since social media often reduces our complex identities to simplified versions, which can deprive us of our authenticity and the richness of our experiences. As you wrote, we should be mindful of what we choose to share.
Good job, Adam! Thank you for sharing such a meaningful topic!
What an excellent blog! I am really glad that you managed to delve into research articles and also submitted links for further reading - it highlights your passion and dedication towards the topic. I do agree that social media can drastically influence who we are, often negatively. On the other hand I believe that there are examples of online communities which thrive because of social media (such as non - profit organisations, science - clubs) and people who can truly express themselves. I do agree with Brian Solis that social media is more about sociology and psychology rather than technology. Notwithstanding I think that technology is crucial and without technology we wouldn’t have social media in the form it is now. To exemplify, think about the impact of algorithms on how addictive social media has gotten, which in turn causes these online platforms to influence us more.
OdpowiedzUsuńThank you for starting the discussion on this topic and sharing your perspective! I found your blog incredibly thought-provoking. The topic is deeply engaging, especially as I enjoy exploring the impact of social media on our lives. Your story about your cousin highlights the pressures and expectations of maintaining an online presence. It’s a common issue among teenagers, who often feel compelled to match their online persona. While social media can be a powerful tool for self-expression, it’s crucial to remember that it only represents a fraction of who we truly are.
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