Authors:
- Marija Žagmešter, Croatian Catholic University, Department of Sociology, Zagreb, Croatia
- Dalibor Ivanešić, Croatian Catholic University, Postgraduate Doctoral Study of Sociology, Zagreb, Croatia; General County Hospital Požega, Unified Emergency Hospital Admission, Požega, Croatia; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Department of Nursing and Palliative Medicine, Osijek, Croatia
- Andreja Domitrović, Croatian Catholic University, Postgraduate Doctoral Study of Sociology, Zagreb, Croatia; Institute of Emergency Medicine of Sisak-Moslavina County, Popovača Branch, Croatia
Article type:
Review
Abstract:
The paper addresses the topic of identity during adolescence, guided by Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. It describes the concept of adolescence, the stages of personality development, and the adolescent period as a turbulent phase of growing up. The changes adolescents experience can lead to either successful or unsuccessful resolution of this stage. During this time, adolescents are influenced by many factors. The family plays the most important role, but its influence weakens as the media and peers become stronger influences. Media are becoming increasingly complex and developed, offering new generations numerous opportunities to shape their own identity. With the rise of social networks, individuals can create a new digital identity. The freedom offered by social networks allows escape from the real world and the fulfillment of various desires, as well as solutions to problems faced by adolescents. However, it also often leads to exploitation and numerous negative consequences for young people. This paper provides a psychosocial overview of adolescence and the societal influences on identity formation in youth, who represent the future potential of the world.
Keywords:
adolescence, identity, digital identity, young people, psychosocial theory