Online self-presentation and identity: Insights from diverse and marginalized youth

Abstract

In the digital age, self-presentation on social media has become commonplace among youth. By selectively posting texts, photos, and videos, young people present and communicate aspects of who they are and/or how they want to be seen. Online self-presentation has important implications for identity development. In this chapter, we review recent studies about (1) different types of online self-presentation and their identity implications, (2) online self-presentation and body image, and (3) online self-presentation among marginalized youth (sexual and gender minority youth, youth from underrepresented cultural and racial/ethnic backgrounds, and migrant youth). Based on the reviewed literature, we propose directions for future research and provide recommendations for researchers, policymakers, clinicians, and educators.