OnLife Teenagers: Social Development and Cyber-development Today

Abstract

Today, with the spread of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), adolescents experience onlife lifestyles, where the boundaries between online and offline experiences are increasingly blurred. Social media platforms serve as a privileged spaces for identity exploration and relationship-building, offering opportunities for socialization, learning, and self-fulfillment. However, intensive use of these platforms exposes adolescents to significant risks, including cyberbullying, social isolation, and body image insecurities. On the one hand, adolescents may feel fragile and exposed to the judgment of others; on the other, they may adopt bold or performative behaviors to gain approval and social status. A central theme in contemporary discourse is the “multiple bodies syndrome”, the conflict between a teenager’s real-life identity and their curated digital personas, where the real self and ideal self-clash in online self-presentation through curated avatars and digital personas. Perceived attractiveness plays a crucial role in this conflict: social media platforms encourage the creation of highly curated and idealized images, often far from reality, fueling a cycle of comparison and dissatisfaction. This phenomenon can negatively affect self-perception, widening the gap between digital and physical identity. This paper aims to explore the psychological implications of these dynamics, examining their impact on adolescents’ mental health and social relationships through a preliminary review of the literature. Promoting a mindful use of social media and developing socio-emotional literacy strategies are essential to addressing the challenges faced by an increasingly interconnected generation.