Adolescentes y redes sociales

Identidad digital, autoestima y validación social

Bibliographic Data

ID17801699
AuthorsNoelia Gutiérrez-Martín (0000-0002-3524-1280, Catholic University of Ávila, corresponding author), Eva Ordóñez Olmedo (0000-0002-6220-0302, Universidad Internacional De La Rioja)
Year2026
Pages437-457
Publication date2026-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueDoxa Comunicación Revista interdisciplinar de estudios de comunicación y ciencias sociales (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1696-019X • E-ISSN: 2386-3978
PublisherCEU Ediciones (PUBLISHER • ES)
DOI10.31921/doxacom.n42a3049
OpenAlexW7124950040
LanguageEN
References cited32

The digital identity—the construction of the self in virtual environments through information and communication technologies—has become a central phenomenon in contemporary adolescent socialization. This article examines how digital identity is configured in adolescents aged 12 to 16 and identifies the most frequent psychosocial risks associated with this construction, including self-image, external validation, overexposure, and hypersexualization. A mixed-methods design was employed, consisting of two complementary phases. Firstly, a two-round Delphi technique was conducted with 14 experts from the educational, health, and psychological fields to achieve professional consensus. Subsequently, two focus groups were held with 32 enrolled adolescents to explore their direct experiences and perceptions. The findings reveal clear patterns in the creation of an idealized self-image, a strong pursuit of social approval via "likes" and followers, and the frequent adoption of alternative identities under anonymity. Regarding preventive strategies, those most valued include media literacy, critical and dialogic parental mediation, and the fostering of emotional and digital competencies. Furthermore, the study underscores the crucial importance of incorporating the adolescents' own perspectives in the development of curricular materials and educational programs. These results offer practical, evidence-based guidelines for families, educators, and psychosocial professionals, aiming to promote healthier digital development

Delphi method · Dialogic · Focus group · Phenomenon · Psychosocial · Social media · Communication and COVID-19 Impact · Digital literacy in education · Impact of Technology on Adolescents

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