Digital Engagement and Identity Construction among Generation Z Social Media Users
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Abstract
Digital communication has transformed how individuals interact, construct identity, and experience social presence in everyday life. However, the subjective meaning of digital engagement remains insufficiently understood, particularly among Generation Z users. This study employs an interpretative phenomenological approach to examine how Generation Z experiences and interprets digital engagement on social media. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The findings reveal that digital engagement functions as a source of self-validation and identity negotiation, while simultaneously generating psychological tension within algorithmically mediated environments. Engagement metrics are experienced as symbolic indicators of self-worth, creating an ongoing balance between authenticity and performance. The study further shows that digital engagement is inherently ambivalent, fostering both social connection and emotional pressure. By reframing digital engagement as a lived and interpretive phenomenon, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of its implications for identity formation and psychological well-being, offering insights for the development of more human-centered digital communication environments.
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