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Identity is described as a set of behavioral or personal characteristics by which an individual is recognizable. Youth by definition is a time when an adolescents identities are understood to be generally fluid, it is a period of transition during which elements of an adults future self are explored and in one way or another decided upon (Rall, Coffey & Williamson 1999, 502). What adolescences are exposed to during their youth, what skills they learn and what skills they develope are very important in shaping their identities. The creation of identity however is also due to the social context inwhich youths live, for example, for many of the adolescence currently living in first and second world countries the technology they use is considered just as improtant as what they wear in communicating an identity (Aakhus and Katz, 2002, p.xx).
The youth of today, due to the strong influence of technology in their everyday lives, are constantly confronted with the problem of self-definition (Kroger, 1989, p.1). To most adolescent technologies such as Mobile Phones are implicated in the production of individuality and personhood (Aakhus and Katz, 2002, p.138). Mobile Phones not only make a statement about a youths identity in terms of class but also about how the youth wants to be viewed externally. From both the inner and outer identity, technology is used increasingly within youth culture to project a desirable image to others; to express social status and to make visible personal characteristics to create an identity (Aakhus & Katz, 2002, p.256).
Youths from a very early age have begun teaching themselves how to become active and participate online; this will result in the youths of today been likely to purchase more, work more and socialise more in the online world (Judge 1997, 100). As stated by Sherry Turkle in Judge (1997, 100) the internet is “redefining our sense of community and where we find our peers�?. Youths today are developing new ways of thinking as a result of new technologies; they are piecing together concepts from fragments they have found scattered throughout the internet.
For youths there are three processes in the formation and construction of their identity; reflexivity, makeability and individualisation (Aakhus & Katz 2002, p.255). Reflexivity: is a cultural way of mirroring (individual, subjective, social, cultural) selves or identities through symbolic images in media, verbal language or face-to-face interaction. Makeability: is the perspective that sees personality and lifestyle factors as being open to influence; individuals are able to make choices about their content. Individualisation: means that as industrial society develops, the significance of social background decreases while the subjective importance of the inner world increases. Meaning that the identity becomes more manufactured, personal, self-reflective and subject to innovation (Aakhus & Katz, 2002, p.255). These three processes of developing identity allow technology the chance to transform and influence the identity of youth culture.
Aakhus, M & Katz, J.E. 2002. Perpetual Contact, Mobile Communication; Prvate Talk, Public Performance. Cambridge University Press: USA ISBN 0-521-00266-4
Fattori, L. 2000. Tweens and teens are a niche of their own: websites and interactive toys are the playground for the young generations. Silicon Vally North, 4(1) 30 (accessed October 7 2005, ProQuest database).
Judge, P. 1997. Is the Net Redefining Our Identitiy?; Sociologist Sherry Turkle argues that online encounters are reshaping human relations. Business Week, (3526) 100 (accessed October 7 2005, ProQuest database).
Kroger, J. 1989. Identity in Adolescence; The balance between self and other. Routledge: London, ISBN 0-415-01088-8
Rall, T., A. Coffey and H. Williamson. 1999. Self, space and place: Youth identities and citizenship. British Journal of Sociology of Education, 20(4) 501.
Inga Tracey 14:39, 26 Oct 2004 (EST)
Alicia Michelle Machin 16:27, 27 Oct 2005 (EST)
