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The Shaping of Adolescent Identity by Social Media Short Videos

Author(s)

Zou Luanxi

Affiliation(s)

Broadcasting and Hosting Art Major, Neijiang Normal University, Neijiang, China

Abstract

In the era of digital media, short videos have become a core media context where adolescents access information, engage in social interaction, and construct self-perception. Adolescence is a critical stage for the formation and stabilization of identity. Profound changes in the media environment directly shape the development of their self-cognition, social belonging, and cultural values. Based on audiovisual communication theory in Broadcasting and Hosting Art, as well as media representation theory in Society, Culture and Media studies, this paper takes the mediatized revival of youth temple culture as its research entry point to systematically explore how short videos shape adolescent identity. The findings show that short videos construct adolescents' self-identity, social identity, and cultural identity through three paths: audiovisual symbol coding, community interactive communication, and cultural representational practice. Meanwhile, a traffic-driven media ecology has led to fragmented identity cognition and superficial value perception among adolescents. From the perspectives of the healing economy and mediatized cultural practice, this paper identifies the practical dilemmas of short video communication and proposes targeted optimization and empowerment paths. It provides theoretical references for the positive construction of adolescent identity, the cultivation of youth media literacy, and the rejuvenation-oriented communication of traditional culture.

Keywords

Social Media Short Videos; Adolescents; Identity; Media Representation; Healing Culture

References

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