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Youth's participation in online support forums on Reddit, and the influence it has on the communion and agency identity development processes

Schoot, J.M. (2022) Youth's participation in online support forums on Reddit, and the influence it has on the communion and agency identity development processes.

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Abstract:Objective: In this globalized world youth increasingly go online to seek or provide advice for (mental) health related issues. Despite that participation is likely to influence identity of participants, little research has been conducted into the dynamics between youth participating in online support forums and their identity development, which during this age period is most active. This study aims to fill this gap in literature by examining what the dynamics are between youth aged 16 to 23 participating in online support forums on Reddit at the intersection of identity development, in this study divided in agency and communion, and anonymity. Method: 8 Life story narrative interviews and 20 qualitative surveys were conducted with users of Reddit that regularly participate in its support subreddits, in which they were asked to describe their most memorable Reddit experiences. Data by 4 experts knowledgeable either in identity development, online support or anonymity, was retrieved by means of semi-structured interviews. Findings: Users predominantly stated having communal needs before participating, and experienced feelings of agency as a result of participation. Needs to share, care and belong to a community are predominant communal needs for going online. Behaviour change, perspective change, understanding and acceptance of self were the most dominant agentic results. The majority of users indicated anonymity was an important factor in deciding to turn to Reddit for support, and stated it allowed them to open up and share more easily. Conclusion: This study found that for youth aged 16 to 23 there are communal and agentic identity processes at play at the intersection with participation in online support forums on Reddit. Anonymity was found to be a prerequisite in users turning to Reddit, and showed dynamics at the intersection with agency and communion. Together with limitations of this study, new approaches for future research were suggested to further broaden knowledge on identity development within online support forums. Keywords: Identity development, online support forums, youth, anonymity, Reddit
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Programme:Communication Studies MSc (60713)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/93381
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