Social Media and Identity Formation among Generation Z in Himachal Pradesh
1*
2
1 Research Scholar, Department of Sociology, IEC University Baddi (HP)
2 Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, IEC University Baddi (HP)
* Corresponding Author
📄 Abstract
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between social media use and identity formation among Generation Z in Himachal Pradesh using survey data from 90 respondents across urban and rural areas. The research focuses on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, WhatsApp, and YouTube and their role in shaping youth identities. The findings show that Instagram and YouTube are the most influential platforms for self-expression, while Facebook and WhatsApp are mainly used for communication and maintaining social networks. The study also highlights the emergence of hybrid identities, where young people combine Pahari cultural traditions with global digital influences. Although limited by a small sample size, the research emphasizes the importance of digital literacy and policies that support balanced social media use and cultural preservation.
Copyright (c) 2026 UnivColl International Multidisciplinary Research Journal
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
Verma, T., & Chaurasia, M. K. (2026). Social Media and Identity Formation among Generation Z in Himachal Pradesh. UnivColl International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 2(1), 1–13.
Indexing & Accreditations
References
- Arnett, J. J. (2000). Emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. American Psychologist, 55(5), 469–480. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.5.469
- Binjola, H., Gupta, S., & Patel, K. (2021). Internet and social media habits among youth in Uttarakhand. Turkish Online Journal of Qualitative Inquiry, 12(4), 1–15.
- boyd, d. (2014). It’s complicated: The social lives of networked teens. Yale University Press.
- Datta, C., Prakash, N., & Singharoy, D. (2023). Influence of social media on the young generation of Rabha tribe. Journal Name, volume(issue), page range.
- Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. W. W. Norton.
- IJNRD. (2025). The impact of social media on Himalayan culture of Shimla Hills. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 6(9). https://ijrpr.com/uploads/V6ISSUE9/IJRPR52542.pdf
- Kamble, S. (2023). People, places and posts: Exploring digital identities of urban youth of Pune. ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts, volume(issue), page range.
- Kumar, R. (2025). The transformative power of social media among India's youth. International Journal of Frontier in Multidisciplinary Research, 5(3). https://www.ijfmr.com/papers/2025/3/46789.pdf
- Sharma, A., & Thakur, R. (2025). Social media usage patterns among adults in Himachal Pradesh. International Journal of Novel Research and Development, 10(9). https://ijnrd.org/papers/IJNRD2509221.pdf
- Sharma, N., & Phukan, D. (2023). Exploring the societal aspirations of youth in Himachal Pradesh. Indian Journal of Social Science and Literature, volume(issue), page range.
- Subba, S., & Gautam, S. (2024). Social media and its impact on youth subculture: A comparative study of Kumaun district. Journal Name, volume(issue), page range.
- The Wire. (2024). Is "Pahari Renaissance" a path to economic revival in Himachal and beyond? https://m.thewire.in/article/culture/is-pahari-renaissance-a-path-to-economic-revival-in-himachal-and-beyond
- Twenge, J. M. (2017). iGen: Why today’s super-connected kids are growing up less rebellious, more tolerant, less happy. Atria Books.
- Varghese, T. (2024). Social media influence on Naga youth identity formation. Integrated Journal for Research in Arts and Humanities, volume(issue), page range.
- Vicinotech. (2025). Who are Gen Z in India? Values, habits, and expectations. https://vicinotech.com/gen-z-in-india-values/