Blog Post 4: Exploration of Digital Identities: How Online Platforms Shape Today's Youth
Written: October 1st 2023
Introduction:
This week I would like to talk about the way current youth self-construct, relate to others, and express their creativity is significantly influenced by the vast number of apps and online platforms. As Gardner & Davis (2013) explained in The App Generation, today’s youth view the world as an ensemble of apps, with their lives resembling a series of ordered apps or even a single extended "super-app" (p. 80). This perspective not only shapes their desires and fears, and determines how they approach challenges. Many believe that if there is not an app for something, it might be deemed unimportant. But as we continue to delve deeper into the digital realm, how are these platforms truly influencing the identities of today’s youth?
1. The "Performance" of Identity on Digital Platforms:
I find one of the most intriguing aspects of the digital age is the “performance” of identity. Gardner & Davis (2013) highlight the role of Facebook in shaping the identities of young people, emphasizing the practice among high school students where senior girls "marry" freshman boys on Facebook as a form of social initiation (p. 60). This online “marriage” is not rooted in genuine romantic reasons but as a public performance, forming one part of a teen’s online persona. Such practices raise questions about the authenticity of online identities and how they might differ from one's internal sense of self.
2. The Neoliberal Influence on Youth Identity:
Tsaliki (2022) offers a compelling perspective on how the cultures of childhood and youth are influenced by the disciplinary power of neoliberalism. The study touches upon how ‘risk talk’ has subtly crept into our understandings of children and youth, driving policy-making at various levels (Tsaliki, 2022). This emphasis on 'risk talk' and the idea of taking responsibility in today's society affects how young people see themselves online. As they use different social media platforms, they are always trying to figure out where they fit in the bigger picture of society and social politics.
3. The Future of Youth Identity in the Digital Age:
As we look to the future, it is essential for us to recognize the transformative power of digital platforms. While they offer opportunities for self-expression and connection, they also come with their own distinct challenges. The format of apps and the structures of online platforms can both enable and restrict imaginative expressions (Gardner & Davis, 2013, p. 85). As youth continue to craft their online personas, it is crucial to foster environments that promote authenticity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the broader forces that are involved.
Overall, the digital landscape is reshaping youth identities in multifaceted ways. As we navigate this ever-evolving terrain, it is imperative to remain cognizant of both its potential and its pitfalls.
References:
Gardner, H & Davis, K. (2013). The App Generation: How Today's Youth Navigate Identity, Intimacy, and Imagination in a Digital World. 10.12987/9780300199185.
Tsaliki, L. (2022). Constructing young selves in a digital media ecology: youth cultures, practices and identity. Information, Communication & Society. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2022.2039747