Adolescent Identity
2 min readOct 19, 2021
- According to authors Wängqvist & Frisén (2016), online contexts are important settings for adolescent identity development. Offline kids are only exposed to pretty much what their geographical location and their parents expose them to. Online kids are able to explore themselves and gain a sense of identity as well as use social media to gain insight on their niche. I think this holds true for adults as well. Adults can find friend groups and their cliques online. From here they are able to explore themselves and interests.
- The Bozkurt & Tu (2016) article presents research that attempts to answer the question, “How can social networks impact learning through digital identity formation?” I would say that social media impacts learning through identity formation by everyone being able to find what they like on social media. For example if you like a certain artist you can find them on instagram. From here if you liked what they wear you would be able to find the clothes they wear online. Naturally in the offline world you would gravitate toward people with the same interest based off how you look.
- We can help kids discover and experience the internet through education. The internet has endless possibilities and information. I believe that they should be taught in school curriculum what is acceptable and safe. This way they will be able to navigate this online world safely.
