Social Media and Identity Construction Among Adolescents: A Comparative Study of Urban and Rural Youth

Abstract

This research looks on the effect of social media in the identity building of adolescents in India's cities and villages. Social media has evolved as a critical venue for self-expression, peer involvement, and identity formation in the digital age. The study uses a comparative approach to assess how adolescents from varied socio-geographic backgrounds shape their self-image using digital media. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including structured surveys and in-depth interviews, to assess factors such as self-presentation strategies, peer validation, and the psychological impact of online activity on self-esteem. According to the findings, urban and rural adolescents use social media for significantly different reasons. Aspirational digital culture has resulted in a greater emphasis on image curation, follower count, and social acceptance among urban youth.