Examining Social Media Impact on Identity Formation and Social Capital: A Case Study of Online Dating Platforms and Discussion Forums
Abstract
and discussion forums. By integrating theories from sociology and social psychology, the analysis highlights how social media shapes both
individual and group identities. The essay first explores the role of user control on social media and discusses social network theory and social
capital concepts from Bordieau and Putnam. It then applies these theories to online dating platforms to understand gender identity formation and discussion forums to analyze group identity construction. The findings indicate that social media allows users to selectively present
aspects of their identity, influencing self and relational identities while fostering group cohesion and social capital. The essay concludes that
social media platforms are crucial in shaping identity dynamics and enhancing both individual and collective engagement.
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.70711/aitr.v2i4.4874
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