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The Role of Social Media in Adolescent Identity Formation

This research proposal aims to investigate the influence of social media on adolescent identity formation, focusing on self-identity, peer relationships, and societal norms. The study will utilize a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and content analysis, to explore both positive and negative effects of social media engagement among adolescents aged 13 to 18. Ethical considerations will be prioritized to ensure participant safety and privacy throughout the research process.

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Nugie Kita
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38 views

The Role of Social Media in Adolescent Identity Formation

This research proposal aims to investigate the influence of social media on adolescent identity formation, focusing on self-identity, peer relationships, and societal norms. The study will utilize a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and content analysis, to explore both positive and negative effects of social media engagement among adolescents aged 13 to 18. Ethical considerations will be prioritized to ensure participant safety and privacy throughout the research process.

Uploaded by

Nugie Kita
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Role of Social Media in Adolescent

Identity Formation: A Sociological


Research Proposal
Introduction
Adolescence is a crucial period of identity formation, during which individuals develop their
sense of self, social roles, and perception of societal norms (Erikson, 1968). In today’s digital
age, social media plays an increasingly significant role in shaping adolescent identity,
providing a space for self-expression, peer validation, and social comparison (boyd, 2014).
While social media fosters community-building and self-exploration, it also introduces
challenges such as cyberbullying, body image dissatisfaction, and mental health concerns
(Twenge, 2017).

This study aims to investigate how social media influences adolescent identity formation,
focusing on self-identity, peer relationships, and perceptions of societal norms. Using
sociological research methods, the study will explore the ways in which social media
engagement contributes to both positive identity reinforcement and negative self-
comparison, particularly among adolescents aged 13 to 18 years.

Research Proposal
Research Questions

This study seeks to answer the following research questions:

1. How does social media influence adolescents' self-identity and self-esteem?


2. What role does social media play in shaping adolescent social relationships and peer
interactions?
3. How does prolonged social media exposure affect adolescents’ perceptions of social
norms and self-worth?

Hypothesis

This study hypothesizes that increased social media engagement significantly influences
adolescent self-identity, with both positive and negative effects. Adolescents who use
social media for self-expression and community support may experience increased
confidence and social belonging, whereas those who engage in constant self-comparison
and algorithm-driven content consumption may experience self-esteem issues, peer
pressure, and distorted self-perceptions (Twenge, 2017).

Research Design
Sociological Research Methods
This study will adopt a mixed-methods approach, incorporating quantitative surveys,
qualitative interviews, and content analysis to gather a well-rounded understanding of
social media’s impact on adolescent identity.

1. Surveys – An online questionnaire will be administered to adolescents aged 13-18,


assessing their social media usage, self-perception, and peer interactions (Lenhart
et al., 2015).
2. Interviews – Semi-structured interviews with adolescents will explore their personal
experiences with social media, identity formation, and peer influence.
3. Content Analysis – A systematic review of social media platforms will examine
trends such as self-presentation strategies, influencer culture, and peer validation
behaviors.

Rationale for Method Selection

Each research method contributes unique insights:

 Surveys provide quantitative data, identifying trends in adolescent self-perception


and social media behavior.
 Interviews offer qualitative insights, capturing the emotional and psychological
aspects of identity formation.
 Content analysis examines the broader social and cultural patterns shaping
adolescent experiences online.

By triangulating these methods, the study ensures a comprehensive and credible approach
to investigating adolescent identity formation.

Ethical Considerations
Conducting research with adolescents requires strict ethical compliance to ensure
participant safety, privacy, and informed consent (American Sociological Association,
2018).

1. Informed Consent – Both parental/guardian consent and adolescent assent will


be obtained before participation.
2. Anonymity and Confidentiality – No personal identifiers will be collected, ensuring
participant privacy.
3. Minimizing Harm – Topics will be approached sensitively, and mental health
resources will be provided for participants in need.

Additionally, this study adheres to the ethical use of information by ensuring proper
citations, avoiding plagiarism, and using credible, peer-reviewed sources, as outlined in
UoPeople’s Information Literacy guidelines (Information Lit-Access Information
Ethically, 2025).

Literature Review
Existing research highlights the complex relationship between social media and
adolescent identity development. Goffman’s (1959) "presentation of self" theory is
particularly relevant, explaining how individuals curate their online personas to fit social
expectations.

Key Findings from Existing Research

 boyd (2014) found that social media acts as an extension of adolescent social lives,
influencing their self-expression and peer interactions.
 Twenge (2017) reported that excessive social media use is associated with increased
anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem among adolescents.
 Chou & Edge (2012) demonstrated that adolescents exposed to idealized online
portrayals often experience distorted self-perceptions and unrealistic social
comparisons.

However, gaps remain in understanding the long-term effects of social media on identity
formation across diverse socio-economic backgrounds. This study aims to address these
gaps through empirical research.

Use of Credible Information: The C.R.A.A.P. Test


To ensure the credibility and reliability of sources, this study applies the C.R.A.A.P. Test,
evaluating information based on:

 Currency – Using recent, peer-reviewed sources.


 Relevance – Selecting studies that directly analyze social media’s impact on
adolescents.
 Authority – Prioritizing research from recognized scholars and institutions.
 Accuracy – Using fact-based, peer-reviewed studies rather than opinion pieces or
social media reports.
 Purpose – Ensuring sources are objective and research-driven rather than
commercially motivated (C.R.A.A.P. Test, 2025).

Implications for Adolescent Identity Formation


Findings from this research will provide critical insights for educators, parents, and
policymakers, offering:

 Recommendations for promoting healthy digital habits among adolescents.


 Strategies to enhance media literacy education, enabling adolescents to critically
analyze online content.
 Guidelines for mental health interventions, addressing the psychological effects of
social media exposure.

Strengths and Limitations


Strengths:

 Mixed-methods approach ensures comprehensive data collection.


 Ethical considerations prioritize participant safety and information integrity.
Limitations:

 Self-reported survey data may introduce response bias.


 Findings may not be generalizable beyond the selected adolescent age group.

Future Research Directions


 Investigating the long-term impact of social media on identity development into
early adulthood.
 Examining how AI-driven algorithms shape adolescent exposure to content and
influence identity formation.

Conclusion
Social media significantly influences adolescent identity formation, shaping self-perception,
peer relationships, and societal norms. While it provides opportunities for self-expression
and connectivity, it also introduces challenges such as self-comparison, social pressure,
and anxiety. By employing rigorous sociological research methods, this study aims to
provide evidence-based insights into the role of social media in adolescent development.

References (APA 7th Edition)

 American Sociological Association. (2018). Code of ethics.


https://www.asanet.org/code-ethics
 boyd, d. (2014). It’s complicated: The social lives of networked teens. Yale University
Press.
 Chou, H. T. G., & Edge, N. (2012). "They are happier and having better lives than I
am": The impact of using Facebook on perceptions of others' lives. Cyberpsychology,
Behavior, and Social Networking, 15(2), 117-121.
 Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. W. W. Norton & Company.
 Goffman, E. (1959). The presentation of self in everyday life. Doubleday.
 Twenge, J. M. (2017). iGen: Why today’s super-connected kids are growing up less
rebellious, more tolerant, less happy—and completely unprepared for adulthood.
Atria Books.

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