(Dis)connected from themselves? The identity crisis in adolescence and the impact of excessive use of social media

Abstract

He objective of this research was to analyze how and why the immersion of young people in virtual communication media severely impacts the construction of their identity, thus affecting their mental health. The methodology used was an integrative literature review, utilizing works and research that provided a general understanding of the research objective, using relevant platforms in the academic scenario such as the Capes Periodicals Portal, PePSIC, and BVS. Among the results found, the following were noted: identity fragmentation caused by social networks; emotional vulnerability in the virtual space; the influence of social networks on the construction of self-image; and how these have become spaces of belonging and socialization while leaving individuals alienated, isolated, and less sociable. It is concluded that the unregulated use by this segment of the population, i.e., adolescents, directly interferes with the construction of their identity and, consequently, with the quality of their mental health.