Topic #2: How Does Social Media and other Technology Influence How We Form Our Identity?
a) Identity is a construct that encompasses the way we think about ourselves and our role in larger social environments; identity is enacted through social interactions with others and our relationships with them. Along one continuum, identity can be understood as containing both
individual, personal differentiators (such as one’s personal history) as well as components related to one’s role in social groups. How does social media influence how we construct our identities? Consider the essay from the text and those posted online when answering this

question.

b) With children and teens today having smart phones equipped with the ability to utilize many social media apps, they are constantly posting events and happenings to the various sites. They also have the ability to be anonymous on many sites and speak with honesty and candor they are unable to use in their everyday lives. How has the technology affected how the younger generation forms their identities versus how you went through the process just a few years ago. Remember to highlight the good and bad changes as you explain the differences in the process.

c) How will the constant tracking of an individual over the course of his or her formative years affect how he or she forms an identity? Consider the companies working in the background to influence the individual’s choices. Discuss how this helps individuals and hampers them as well.