Psychosocial Development
Adolescents use social media as a way of developing their identity. Teens have the ability to connect with peers and present themselves through content- whether it’s pictures, videos, or messages.
Erikson's Theory of Development
Adolescence is a time of identity development, when young people establish their own beliefs and values separate from their family and identify their strengths. Psychologist Erik Erikson emphasized the impact the family and social environment had on an individual, as identity develops in relation to others. Social media has evolved the concepts of communication and relationships, and, in turn, how one views themselves in relation to others. Here are some ways social media impacts identity development.
Teens have unlimited access to information and are able to explore their interests.
Establish their values and beliefs separate from their parents. Social media allows teens to connect to social movements that they support.
Enhances relationships and creates new connections. This is especially helpful to teens who have limited connections in real life.
Exposure to other cultures and worldviews. Creates an awareness of people that are far beyond their
geographical location.
Provides an opportunity for self-expression and creativity through a variety of media.
Access to negative material that promotes self-harm, eating disorders, hatred, and violence.
(Kay, 2018; Russet & Waldron, 2017)
Presentation of Self
Erving Goffman is a sociologist who developed a theory using theater as a metaphor to explain how people present themselves in everyday contexts. Using this theory can help conceptualize how people present themselves online.
75%
of teens say how they present online represents
who they are in real life.
(Common Sense Media, 2019)
Using theatrical terms, Goffman proposed front stage behavior is how we present in public for an audience and backstage is who we are privately. Social media can be viewed as the front stage where people perform for their audience and the backstage is their real life.
(Bullingham & Vasconcelos, 2013; Common Sense Media, 2019; Goffman, 1956; Hogan, 2010)
Counselor's Persepctive
Michael Biggan is the Director of Guidance in a suburban school district. Working with teens, he provides insight into the impact social media has on adolescent identity development.