The Role of Social Media in Identity Formation among the Teens Aged 13-19 Years of African Inland Church, Utawala Nairobi
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70619/vol5iss2pp30-48Keywords:
Social Media, Identity Formation, Teens Aged 13-19 YearsAbstract
This study investigates the role of social media in identity formation among the teens of AIC Utawala. The study is a clear indication that social media has an impact either positive or negative on identity formation among teens an idea that should be well understood by teen pastors and patrons to guide the teens in the right way at the time of identity crisis. The study is grounded on qualitative research method as through qualitative research, the researcher can test the hypothesis through the interview. The population of the study was 200 young people aged 13 to 19 years in the AIC Utawala Local Church. Data was analyzed thematically, and presentations were done in tables and diagrams. The study established that social media has influenced teenagers' identity formation. The study also established that social media causes the disaggregation of teenagers' identity and the formation of another identity, due to the fact that teenagers modified their appearances so that they attract more likes and comments. The study recommends that there is a need to closely guide teenagers on how to use social media highlighting the dangers of social media. The study therefore recommends that there is a need to regulate access and use of social media particularly among teenagers to protect them from identity distortion.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Daniel Kyalo Mutinda, Prof. James Nkansah Obrempong, Prof. Josephine Mutuku Sesi
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