Pembentukan Identitas Diri Melalui Media Sosial pada Siswa SMK Negeri 3 Pematang Siantar

Abstract

This research aims to understand how social media influences self-identity formation among students of SMK Negeri 3 Pematang Siantar. Social media, as a rapidly growing aspect of information technology, significantly impacts personal identity formation, especially among adolescents. The changes in communication styles and self-presentation through social media create space for students to form, express, and manage their self-identity. This study uses the theory of self-identity and Erving Goffman's identity formation concept, which argues that identity results from social negotiations, where individuals actively manage the impressions they present to others. The research method used is qualitative, with a case study approach. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with several active social media users among SMK Negeri 3 Pematang Siantar students. The data was analyzed descriptively to understand students' experiences and perspectives related to social media use and its relationship to identity formation. The results indicate that social media plays a significant role in shaping self-identity among students. It provides space to experiment with different identities, in terms of appearance, thoughts, and attitudes. However, social pressures from the online environment also influence students to conform to expectations and norms, sometimes limiting their freedom of expression.

Keywords: Self-identity, social media, students, identity formation