Exploring the Lived Experiences of Social Media Communication: A Phenomenological Study of Identity Construction and Trust among Digital Users

Abstract

The increasing integration of social media in daily life has significantly altered communication patterns, with users now engaging more in digital spaces than in traditional face-to-face interactions. While much research has explored the impact of social media on communication, little has been done to examine the deep, subjective experiences of users and the meanings they attach to their online interactions. Despite the growing prevalence of social media, the emotional, psychological, and identity-related aspects of digital communication remain underexplored, leaving a gap in understanding the lived experiences of users in this digital context. This study employs a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of social media users, specifically examining how they construct their identities, navigate relationships, and perceive information in digital spaces. Through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, the study reveals that social media users often experience shallow interactions that lead to feelings of alienation. Identity construction is influenced by external validation, and misinformation on these platforms heightens users' emotional distress and distrust. The findings demonstrate the complexities of social media communication beyond behavior and content analysis. The study’s findings highlight the need for deeper exploration into the emotional and psychological impacts of social media, suggesting the importance of fostering more meaningful and authentic digital interactions to improve users' well-being.