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Identity Construction and Digital Vulnerability in Adolescents: Psychosocial Implications and Implications for Social Work

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Social media has become a central element in the daily lives of adolescents, shaping not only their communication patterns but also their self-perception, identity construction, and relationships with others. While these platforms provide opportunities for connection and self-expression, they also entail significant risks. This paper presents a scoping review of the literature, following principles of transparency and rigor inspired by the PRISMA framework, on the impact of social media on adolescent identity, with particular attention to self-concept, self-esteem, and body image. It also examines cyberbullying as a prevalent form of digital violence during adolescence, analyzing its causes, consequences, and variations according to gender, age, and social context. The findings indicate that adolescents build their identities both offline and online, where constant comparison, the use of filters, and the pursuit of social validation can generate emotional distress, insecurity, humiliation, and even social exclusion. Gender differences are also observed: girls are more exposed to aesthetic pressure, whereas boys tend to reproduce ideals of strength and leadership. Finally, the review highlights the importance of social work interventions focused on prevention, digital education, and emotional support in order to foster safe online environments and promote the development of authentic, stereotype-free identities.

Source: Youth

DOI: 10.3390/youth5040119

Authors: María Natividad Elvira-Zorzo, Paula Bayona Gómez

Institution: Universidad de Salamanca

Language: English

Topic: Impact of Technology on Adolescents

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207