Identity in the digital age: elaboration of social media profiles in Chilean teenagers

Abstract

This article aims to reconstruct the inner logics behind the elaboration of social media user profile teenagers in Chile utilize in their online interactions. Using a quantitative approach that considers the adaption and validation of standardized instruments, we enquired into the resources and strategies deployed for the elaboration of these profiles on a sample of Chilean secondary students (N=892). Results show that teenagers report a significant degree of authenticity in the presentation of the self in social networks; however, there are important differences by sex in the strategies and resources mobilized, highlighting the translation of offline gendered codes and norms to the digital world.