IDENTITY CRISIS AND THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL VARIABLES RELATED TO THE VIRTUAL WORLD. A STUDY ON A SAMPLE OF UNIVERSITY YOUTH USING SOCIAL MEDIA

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Institute of Environmental Studies and Research, Ain Shams University

2 Faculty of Postgraduate Studies of Childhood, Shams University

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify the identity crisis and the social and psychological variables associated with the use of social networks (the virtual world) by the university youth. The researchers used the descriptive approach. The data was collected through the personal interview, a questionnaire, an identity crisis scale. The sample consisted of (120) male and female students selected randomly from the faculty of pharmacy to represent one of the scientific faculties, and Al Alsun to represent one of the literary colleges, from Ain Shams to represent one of the public universities and Misr International University of Egypt to represent a private university.
The most important results of the study are: Most of the sample has an account on one of the social networks and spend three hours or more in the using them. The most important negative psychological variables associated with social networks are the tendency to social isolation, the conflict between the individual's virtual identity and his true identity, the relinquishment of certain values, social and cultural traditions, and the mutilation of language. The most important negative social variables associated with social networks is wasting time and weak social relations. The university youth suffer from the identity crisis, the females have a higher level of identity crisis than males, and public university students have a higher level of identity crisis than private university students.
The most important recommendations of the study are:
- Uniting the efforts of civil society associations and official and non-official educational institutions to face the dangers that threaten the future of youth and their homeland, in addition to raising the awareness of the dangers of overuse of modern communication networks. Preserving young people and their identity requires a combination of various ministries such as education, higher education, culture, and media.
- Parents should follow their children during using the Internet in general, and social networks in particular, and educate them how to deal with them, and in case of a defect by the children, parents must deal with them a bit of wisdom and tenderness, and to show confidence in children and respect their privacy at the same time.
- Youth should use the Internet in a useful way such as :
a-Using it in education: through participation with teachers and colleagues and following-up their study and getting help when needed and to access the researches and references and scientific material through it.
b - Communicating with friends and family.

Main Subjects