How digital innovations like social media influences the identity development of
individuals
Literature review by Steffie Coolen 2135425
Due data 2024, 22 December
Introduction
Social media has become a very important part of our everyday lives (Osbaldiston,
2023, chapter 8; Narasimha Rao et al., 2022). Individuals grow up surrounded by mobile
devices and social network interaction. Mobile devices keep us updated with constant updates
of society (Narasimha Rao et al., 2022).
Digital identities can be seen as the sum of digital traces that individuals leave on
social media. The rise of digital identity can be seen as a new concept because the World
Wide Web has existed since 1990 (Milligan, 2019). And is fast growing with around 3,7 users
(Gapsiso & Wilson, 2015). Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are rising in
popularity, especially among young adults (Narasimha Rao et al., 2022). These platforms
make up for more than half of the users (Williams et al., 2017). 88% of young adults are using
social media and spend an average of 4 hours a day on social media (Subrahmanyam et al.,
2020).
These platforms are organized in a way that people can share their issues, opinions,
ideas, images, and videos. People can build social networks or social relations with other
people who share similar interests, activities, backgrounds, or connections (Narasimha Rao et
al., 2022). In the beginning the World Wide Web was more about finding information but is
has now grown to be more than this, now it is not only used to get access to new information
but there is also the ability to use it for entertainment, study, socializing, intimacy, and work
(Milligan, 2019; Osbaldiston, 2023, chapter 8). Socializing with each other is the most used
, form of social media (Baym et al., 2004). Weber describes the technological changes as an
increasing rationalization of modern life, where thing become more predictable (Osbaldiston,
2023, chapter 8).
Social media influences society because it ensures that society has information, can
have a better understanding about themselves and beyond (Milligan, 2019). And our social
interactions have increased but also changed face-to-face interaction, because online people
tend to say other things like being more direct or hating on other people (Osbaldiston, 2023,
chapter 8). Internet can make sure that everyone in society knows what is happening in the
world, like for example the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 (Milligan, 2019).
This literature review will focus on the effects that social media has on forming
identities in our current digital society. The main focus point will be: (1) The influences of
digital identity (2) What are digital identities, (3) face-to-face vs online interactions (4) the
rise of social media.
The topic digital identity is a well-studied topic, but it stays an important topic to keep
studying because the internet keeps expensing all the time. For example, look at our phones,
they bring out new models every year that keep improving and can do more (Osbaldiston,
2023, chapter 8). Social media also has a big impact on our everyday lives. Because of this it
is important to understand the positive and negative changes it has on our behavior,
communication, and social dynamics (Narasimha Rao et al., 2022).
This paper will investigate the different perspectives there are on digital identity, the
influences it has on young adults, the evolvement over the years and as last there will be a
conclusion about the relationships between these topics.
individuals
Literature review by Steffie Coolen 2135425
Due data 2024, 22 December
Introduction
Social media has become a very important part of our everyday lives (Osbaldiston,
2023, chapter 8; Narasimha Rao et al., 2022). Individuals grow up surrounded by mobile
devices and social network interaction. Mobile devices keep us updated with constant updates
of society (Narasimha Rao et al., 2022).
Digital identities can be seen as the sum of digital traces that individuals leave on
social media. The rise of digital identity can be seen as a new concept because the World
Wide Web has existed since 1990 (Milligan, 2019). And is fast growing with around 3,7 users
(Gapsiso & Wilson, 2015). Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are rising in
popularity, especially among young adults (Narasimha Rao et al., 2022). These platforms
make up for more than half of the users (Williams et al., 2017). 88% of young adults are using
social media and spend an average of 4 hours a day on social media (Subrahmanyam et al.,
2020).
These platforms are organized in a way that people can share their issues, opinions,
ideas, images, and videos. People can build social networks or social relations with other
people who share similar interests, activities, backgrounds, or connections (Narasimha Rao et
al., 2022). In the beginning the World Wide Web was more about finding information but is
has now grown to be more than this, now it is not only used to get access to new information
but there is also the ability to use it for entertainment, study, socializing, intimacy, and work
(Milligan, 2019; Osbaldiston, 2023, chapter 8). Socializing with each other is the most used
, form of social media (Baym et al., 2004). Weber describes the technological changes as an
increasing rationalization of modern life, where thing become more predictable (Osbaldiston,
2023, chapter 8).
Social media influences society because it ensures that society has information, can
have a better understanding about themselves and beyond (Milligan, 2019). And our social
interactions have increased but also changed face-to-face interaction, because online people
tend to say other things like being more direct or hating on other people (Osbaldiston, 2023,
chapter 8). Internet can make sure that everyone in society knows what is happening in the
world, like for example the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 (Milligan, 2019).
This literature review will focus on the effects that social media has on forming
identities in our current digital society. The main focus point will be: (1) The influences of
digital identity (2) What are digital identities, (3) face-to-face vs online interactions (4) the
rise of social media.
The topic digital identity is a well-studied topic, but it stays an important topic to keep
studying because the internet keeps expensing all the time. For example, look at our phones,
they bring out new models every year that keep improving and can do more (Osbaldiston,
2023, chapter 8). Social media also has a big impact on our everyday lives. Because of this it
is important to understand the positive and negative changes it has on our behavior,
communication, and social dynamics (Narasimha Rao et al., 2022).
This paper will investigate the different perspectives there are on digital identity, the
influences it has on young adults, the evolvement over the years and as last there will be a
conclusion about the relationships between these topics.
