Topic of “Identity in the Digital World”

On February 4, 2026, an article titled “Me Behind the Screen: How Do We Change Our Identity in the Digital World?” was published by Khadija Akbarli, a third-year Psychology student at Baku State University. The article analyzes the construction of identity on social media, ideal self-presentation, and the impact of online interaction on identity with reference to scientific literature. The topic is particularly important for queers, as digital space is a means of both self-expression and community-finding for many LGBTQI+ youth.

The article emphasizes that identity is not a static, but a continuously forming social process, and refers to the symbolic interactionist approach. This framework suggests that queer identities are also constructed through social interaction and affirmation. It is noted that positive reactions on social media platforms encourage the repetition of behavior, while weak activity leads to self-redesign. This dynamic is particularly sensitive for queer youth. Thus, anxiety about acceptance, the tendency to construct an ideal identity, and the search for social approval shape their online visibility.

The article shows that social media, through role models, influences the development of a sense of identity in areas such as profession, gender, and sexual orientation. In particular, the influence of visual platforms such as Instagram and TikTok on the inclusion of various ideals is emphasized. This creates both a positive and risky space for queer youth. On the one hand, there is the opportunity to find people with similar experiences and build communities, on the other hand, social validation mechanisms and ideal image pressure can reinforce identity uncertainty.

The article also touches on concepts such as “catfishing,” ideal identity, and online authenticity crisis. These topics carry additional sensitivity in the queer context, as some LGBTQI+ people may use alternative or anonymous identities in digital spaces for reasons of safety and privacy. Although the article does not address this aspect directly, the discussion of digital anonymity and identity design provides an important framework for understanding online strategies of queer existence.

Overall, the article provides an academic perspective on the impact of social media on identity formation, displaying that online identity is a product of ongoing social interaction. For queers, the key issue is that digital spaces remain not only platforms for constructing idealized images, but also social environments where safe and accepting communities can be formed. While the flexibility of digital self-expression offers opportunities, concerns about acceptance and pressures from social norms continue to play a significant role in queer youth’s identity development.

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