Phenomenology of Teenage Girls' Identifiability in relation to Being in the Virtual Space

Adolescence is a period of self-recovery within the context of life and identity formation. In recent times, virtual space appears to play a significant role in shaping adolescent identity. The aim of the present study was to examine the lived experiences of adolescent girls regarding their personal and family identity as influenced by their presence in virtual space, using a psychological approach in the city of Karaj. To achieve this aim, a qualitative research design with a phenomenological method was employed, and interviews were conducted with 19 adolescent girls aged 13 to 16. Content analysis of the interviews led to the extraction of three main categories: "identity relations," "identity platform," and "identity fluidity." The overarching theme emerging from these categories was defined as "personal and family values influenced by the duality of real and virtual lifeworlds". Participants with diffused identity reported spending less than 4 hours per day on virtual platforms, whereas those in the moratorium and identity foreclosure stages reported using virtual space more than 4 hours per day. Furthermore, individuals with a diffused identity viewed virtual space as a tool for self-improvement, increasing awareness, and updating general knowledge. In contrast, those experiencing identity moratorium used virtual platforms as a means to internalize others' beliefs. Among the digital applications used, the most frequently used app was Shad, while Snapchat and Pinterest were reported as the least used.