Research Question:
“How does Instagram influence the identity formation among Generation Z compared to previous generations without social media?”
Note: this is my current research question but adaptations to suit methodology and literature are welcome – my priority is to use my survey results to answer a question about Instagram and Identity Formation in generation z – if you can find literature/studies looking at identity formation in adults who didn’t grow up with instagram then this research question is valid but please make sure the research question is concise and insightful, offering for rich academic insights)
Objectives:
Introduction:
Provide a compelling, well-researched introduction that frames the study’s importance and relevance.
Summarise key theories on identity formation, particularly focusing on social media’s impact.
Integrate philosophical insights from Goffman’s Theory of Self-Presentation, Erikson’s Theory of Identity Development, and Marcia’s Identity Status Theory.
Highlight relevant literature reviews, including the Springer article “Social Media: A Digital Social Mirror for Identity Development During Adolescence.”
Contextualise the study within contemporary research and societal trends, particularly emphasizing the unique aspects of Instagram and its role among Generation Z.
Qualitative Methods:
(Important Note: I distributed an anonymous survey on my Instagram Story asking questions related to identity and got 32 full answers from people – the survey questions and answers are attached as a PDF for you to read and evaluate using qualitative analysis – thematic analysis)
Provide a detailed explanation of the qualitative methodology used to analyse the survey results.
Explain how thematic analysis will be applied to identify and interpret patterns and themes in the qualitative data.
Use direct quotes from survey responses to illustrate key themes, ensuring a rich, nuanced analysis of how Instagram shapes identity among Generation Z.
Discuss the implications of these findings in relation to the existing literature and theoretical frameworks.
Introduction Structure and Content
Objective and Scope:
Brief introduction to social media’s impact on identity, focusing specifically on Instagram.
Explain why this research is crucial for understanding Generation Z’s identity dynamics.
Highlight the societal and academic relevance of this study.
Literature Review:
Summarise key findings from Erikson’s Theory of Identity Development and Marcia’s Identity Status Theory.
Discuss Goffman’s Theory of Self-Presentation as it relates to Instagram.
Integrate insights from relevant literature reviews, particularly the Springer article, and insights from podcasts like “The Digital Human.”
Philosophical Insights:
Incorporate Goffman’s theory to explain how Instagram users manage impressions and present their identities.
Discuss Erikson and Marcia’s theories in the context of how Instagram provides a platform for exploration and commitment in identity formation.
Rationale for Focus on Instagram:
Justify the selection of Instagram, citing its widespread use among Generation Z and its unique features that influence identity formation.
Discuss how Instagram differs from other social media platforms in terms of self-presentation and identity dynamics.
Qualitative Methods Structure and Content
Survey Design and Implementation:
Describe the survey methodology, including participant demographics and the types of questions asked.
Emphasise the qualitative focus of the survey, which includes open-ended questions designed to gather in-depth insights into participants’ experiences.
Thematic Analysis:
Explain the process of thematic analysis, detailing how responses were coded and categorised to identify key themes.
Highlight the main themes identified in the survey responses, such as authenticity vs. aspirational self, digital vs. real-life persona, and the influence of Instagram’s algorithm.
Illustrative Quotes:
Use direct quotes from survey responses to illustrate each theme, providing concrete examples of how Instagram influences identity formation.
Ensure that the analysis is rich and nuanced, capturing the complexity of participants’ experiences and perceptions.
Discussion of Findings:
Relate the findings to the theoretical frameworks discussed in the introduction, highlighting how they align or differ from existing research.
Discuss the implications of the findings for understanding the unique aspects of identity formation among Generation Z on Instagram.
Suggest areas for future research, acknowledging the limitations of the study.
Additional Notes:
I read “the anxious generation” by jonathon haidt and “indistractable” by nir eyal as part of my introductory reading so if you think either of these books are useful to mention or research in answering my research question please do include/quote them as they formed part of my understanding into the topic at the beginning but maybe it’s not as relevant as the philosophy studies and academic literature so keep this in mind.,
