Reflexos virtuais da identidade pessoal: uma análise da construção da autoimagem na era das redes sociais digitais

Abstract

The arrival of smartphones and internet video sharing platforms in the first decade of the 21st century marked a revolution in the way we communicate over the subsequent years. Images, moving images, videos and other forms of new media now permeate our everyday lives in an unprecedented way, in a way that traditional media never did. The possibility of creating an image of oneself, provided by these new means, represents a crucial point in accessing self-representation in a world increasingly governed by images. This research aims to analyze the relationship between identity, self-image and the impact of digital social networks on the lives of young university students, investigating the process of building self-image in these virtual spaces, through students entering Social Sciences and History courses. The study was carried out using a semi-structured questionnaire with open and closed questions, to explore subjective perceptions about the digital social networks covered, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter/X. The analyzes reflect on how digital practices shape new forms of subjectivity, altering the individual's relationship with time, space and other social agents. Finally, the monograph investigates the social and emotional implications of constant exposure and search for validation online, highlighting the ephemerality of digital interactions and their effects on perceptions of authenticity.