“I Wish I was Wearing a Filter Right Now”: An Exploration of Identity Formation and Subjectivity of 10- and 11-Year Olds’ Social Media Use

2020/10/01 by Claire Pescott · 1 citation
Social Sciences · #Child Development and Digital Technology #Impact of Technology on Adolescents #Social Media and Politics

paper · pdf · doi:10.1177/2056305120965155

openalex publication_date 2020/10/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25

Abstract

Social media use is changing the experience of socialization for younger children, as they are heavy adopters of these platforms despite the terms of service being 13 years of age. This research recruited eight Year 6 focus groups in four primary schools and employed a range of activities to explore their views surrounding social media. Results indicate that young children are aware of overt dangers, such as catfishing, but may experience negative subjective experiences when interacting on social media. This was particularly apparent in the discussions around Snapchat filters (digital overlays placed over photographs). It is necessary to address emotional resilience in response to this.

Citations

• Self-presentation and belonging on Facebook: How personality influences social media use and motivations
• Relations in Public. Microstudies of the Public Order
• The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life

Cited by

• Social media and identity [wikipedia]

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