[discussion topic goes here] by A Des

alainad703 — 2025-09-23 11:11:43 UTC

Case Study: Social Media and Teen Identity

Maya is a 16-year-old high school student who spends several hours each day on TikTok and Instagram. She uses these platforms to connect with friends, follow influencers, and share her own content. While Maya enjoys the attention and validation she receives through likes and comments, she also feels pressure to present a “perfect” image online. Her parents worry about the impact of social media on her self-esteem, school performance, and real-life friendships. Meanwhile, Maya insists that being active online is essential for “fitting in” and staying connected with peers.

Discussion Questions

Self and Society
How might sociological theories of the “looking-glass self” or “presentation of self” help explain Maya’s online behavior?
Socialization
In what ways is social media shaping Maya’s socialization and sense of identity?
Culture and Norms
What cultural norms about beauty, popularity, and success are reinforced through Maya’s online experiences?
Institutions and Impact
How should schools and families respond to the growing role of social media in the lives of teenagers?

2025-09-23 13:59:12 UTC

We said that schools and families should try to restrict it, but also educate teens how to use social media properly because although it can be toxic, it’s something that will probably be around forever that we cannot get ride of.

2025-09-23 14:07:24 UTC

Because people are scared of how others perceive them when they post things online, they are already thinking of people's judgment and opinions. An example of such is influences on social media, these people seem to have "perfect lives," which people like Maya would like to mimic. Maya might post with a lot of filters and make sure there are no imperfections in her appearance to make her seem better.