EDUCATIONAL PROPOSALS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO MANAGE THEIR IDENTITY: THE EXAMPLES OF INTERNET AND SELFIES

Abstract

The identity of teenagers today is partly constructed through digital platforms, which are combined individually with mobile devices. However, digital networks have specific characteristics that it is important that we understand in order to better manage our identities. In general, teenagers perceive these characteristics particular to social networks but do not always identify them clearly, or do not consider certain effects which they do not expect. To understand the specificity of digital platforms for the development of identity, the paper outlines characteristics of online identity by referring to the sociologist Jean-Paul Kaufmann. The mobile characteristic of an online identity is then questioned by looking at ‘selfiephotos’ produced by mobile devices as communication means within the process of identity construction. Because Média Animation is the central media literacy resource centre for schools in Belgium, the paper informs about the practical input of Média Animation for schools. The paper gives an overview of animation tools, which can support young people to manage their online identities, and their teachers or educators to grasp the educational challenges of these issues.