The word "identity" can be understood as a self-representation that is consistent, distinctive, stable, and unique, based on the individual's biography, values, beliefs, attitudes, emotions, behaviors, habits, appearances, experiences, etc. In today's society, with its emphasis on sharing personal experiences online, young people are expected to have an intense awareness of their feelings and opinions about themselves and others, which can reshape how they view and understand their identities. This phenomenon has been described as "sharing culture", which refers to the need for constant expression of one's truth, authenticity, individuality, and originality.
As adolescents develop, they begin to form their own identities, learning who they are, what they believe, and how they fit into the world around them.
This process can become complicated when they are told to share everything about themselves publicly, including their thoughts, feelings, and actions. This requirement can make it difficult for them to maintain privacy, mystery, or secrecy, as these are all essential parts of identity formation. It also means they may feel pressured to conform to certain norms or standards and lose their sense of uniqueness if they do not share their true selves.
In addition to creating pressure on teens to constantly express themselves, sharing culture can lead to an erosion of trust in relationships. When everyone shares everything, it becomes impossible to keep anything private from your partner, friends, family, or coworkers. This lack of privacy can be confusing, as it makes it difficult to know where you stand with someone. You never know what they may say behind your back or reveal without warning, making intimacy challenging.
Sharing culture is often presented as a way to connect with others and build strong relationships, but it can have negative consequences. Adolescents who feel forced to disclose too much information online may suffer from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or even cyberbullying. Sharing their truth can also expose them to judgment, criticism, and ridicule from others who disagree with their opinions or lifestyle choices.
The expectation that adolescents must "share their truth" has profound effects on their privacy, mystery, and identity development. They may struggle to find balance between being open and honest and maintaining their own personal boundaries. While some benefits may come from sharing one's thoughts and feelings, it should be done thoughtfully and within limits.
How does the social expectation to constantly “share one's truth†reshape adolescents' internal sense of privacy, mystery, and identity?
The pressure to share one's truth on social media is causing young people to lose their privacy, their individuality, and even their sense of self. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation. It also creates an unrealistic standard for what it means to be "perfect" or "popular," which can harm mental health.