Age and Identity

Question 1

Give sociological evidence to support the argument that digital communications allow people to make/maintain friendships

Answer 1

• Carter (Cybercity) enable the formation of new relationships. Online relationships are equally as important as offline relationships
• Miller (Facebook effect) Facebook strengthens existing relationships that would otherwise become weak over time

Question 2

Give sociological evidence to support the argument that digital communications have a positive impact on people’s mental health

Answer 2

• Shaw and Gant- internet use was found to decrease loneliness and depression. Also increased social support and self-esteem

Question 3

Give sociological evidence to support the argument that digital communications make it easier for people to get involved in a wide range of hobbies and meet others who share interests

Answer 3

• Carter (Cybercity) meet new people on online platforms
• Boellstorff (Second life) VR friends
• Mumsnet
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

Question 4

Give sociological evidence to support the argument that digital communications allow people to create their own online identity

Answer 4

• Hart- individuals can decide how to present themselves online, rather than being content with ascribed sources of identity

Question 5

Give sociological evidence to support the argument that young people’s frequent use of social media can have a negative impact on how they see themselves

Answer 5

• Gardner and Davis- constant maintenance of virtual identity, means young people spend too much time checking phones in order to manage other’s online impressions of them
• Twenge- teens fear a negative reaction to their identity, which produces rising levels of anxiety. Less time is spent with friends, but FOMO is experienced

Question 6

Give sociological evidence to support the argument that young people’s comments on social media can leave a digital footprint

Answer 6

• Paris Brown- posted racist and anti-gay comments, which led to a police investigation
• Alexi McCammond- editor of teen vogue, who was fired after her anti-Asian and homophobic tweets resurfaced

Question 7

Give sociological evidence to support the argument that older adults have less access to the internet which can leave them feeling isolated

Answer 7

• In 2019, 99% of people 16-44 had internet access vs 50% of people 75+
  This means they lack the community aspect of digital communications (e.g: meeting new people) which may lead to feelings of loneliness and social isolation

Question 8

Give sociological evidence to support the argument that older adults are less confident with digital communications which can make it harder for them to take advantage of new technology and compete for jobs, which rely on digital skills

Answer 8

• Boyle- iGeneration are more receptive to learning new skills, which makes them more employable than digital immigrants, as most jobs rely on technology and the internet