Generation Z's self presentation on social media: The example of instagram

Daha sonThis dissertation is a qualitative study that aims to explore how members of Generation Z present themselves on Instagram. As social media plays an increasingly significant role in identity construction processes, examining the self-presentation practices of Generation Z—often referred to as digital natives—within digital platforms has become critically important. The research was designed using the interpretative phenomenological method and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The interviews were conducted with university students from various cities in Türkiye during the first eight months of 2024. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: digital identity, social comparison, idealized self, perception of privacy, and emotional impacts. Findings indicate that Instagram serves not only as a social network for young users but also as a stage for meticulously curated digital performances. Participants reported shaping their online identities in ways that align with societal expectations and external validation, which in turn created tensions between their real and digital selves. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how social media platforms transform self-presentation and highlights the psychological and sociocultural implications of this transformation.ra doldurulacaktır.