The influence of social media on the construction of adolescent identities: A study from social psychology in multicultural contexts

Objective: This article analyzes the impact of cultural exchange facilitated by social media on the formation of personal identity among adolescents, with a particular focus on the context of Sonora, a region bordering the United States and therefore a multicultural niche. It explores the factors contributing to the development of identity patterns influenced by both internal social agents (family, school, and local environment) and external ones (social media and foreign cultures). Through a qualitative and bibliographic analysis, the study identifies the main risks and opportunities associated with cultural integration during a critical stage of personal development, adolescence. The findings suggest that while social media fosters access to enriching cultural diversity, it can also lead to social cohesion challenges and identity crises in adolescents, especially when local values and traditions are undermined. This study offers a reflection on the importance of local cultural foundations while promoting a balance between global and local identity to avoid social isolation and foster harmonious coexistence in multicultural contexts.