Social Media Influence on Naga Youth Identity Formation: Navigating Digital Spaces, Cultural Preservation, and Online Harassment
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This mixed-methods study explores the influence of social media on cultural identity formation and online harassment experiences among Naga youth aged 16 to 30 years. Combining survey data from 400 participants with in-depth interviews of 30 content creators and content analysis of 200 social media posts, the research investigates how digital platforms enable cultural expression, facilitate community engagement, and simultaneously expose youth, particularly women, to cyberbullying. Findings reveal that social media acts as a critical tool for hybrid identity negotiation-balancing tribal traditions with global digital culture-but also presents gendered risks that impact mental health and participation. The study underscores the need for culturally responsive digital literacy, community support structures, and collaborative policy efforts to protect indigenous youth in evolving digital spaces.
Author: Tious Varghese
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414567009
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: