The influence of TikTok use on young people's identity formation and virtual socialisation

Abstract

In contemporary society, the influence of social media on young people, along with its impact on interpersonal dynamics and self-perception, is classified as a pervasive phenomenon that not only shapes everyday interactions, but also significantly shapes the construction identity and virtual socialization patterns. In particular, TikTok has become a prominent platform for the younger population. Taking this into account, the present research focuses on the effects of TikTok on the identity construction and virtual socialization of students between 18 and 26 years old enrolled at the University of Ankara. To empirically address these objectives, a total of 30 students from Ankara University actively participated in this research by completing a questionnaire based on the object of study. This instrument was designed with the purpose of describing the case study and the resulting dynamics in identity formation, virtual socialization, and the perception of popularity by the sample. The findings obtained provide a concrete insight into the digital landscape among students at the University of Ankara. Consequently, this study not only sheds light on the complexities of digital identity formation but also emphasizes the intricate network of interactions that influence the social experiences of young individuals in these environments.