The Impact of Social Media on the Formation of the “Self”

Abstract

Understanding how social media influence the formation of the self and identity during adolescence, a period marked by intense emotional, social, and psychological transformations, is a relevant topic in contemporary society. This study was based on Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered Approach (PCA) and Socio-Historical Psychology, analyzing through scientific literature how digital platforms and social networks have come to play a central role in processes of self-image, interaction, and social validation among adolescents. This is a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study developed through a bibliographic review conducted in the SciELO, Google Scholar, and CAPES Periodicals databases. The results show that the constant search for social approval, comparison with idealized standards, and the recurrent use of filters and digital editing tools favor the construction of an idealized self, often dissociated from the real self, contributing to feelings of incongruence, low self-esteem, anxiety, and body image distortions, especially among female adolescents. The study also identified that social media can function as spaces for belonging, self-expression, and emotional support. Furthermore, social media algorithms directly influence the processes of self construction by directing personalized content based on users’ interests, emotions, and behavioral patterns. Therefore, the quality of digital interactions, associated with the development of digital literacy and critical awareness, constitutes an important factor in promoting a healthier and more authentic identity construction in contemporary societ.