Adolescent in the digital environment: identity and self-image

Context and relevance. Identity formation in adolescence is a central developmental task, and in the modern world, the digital environment and social networks play a significant role in this process. They act as part of the adolescent's developmental microsystem, exerting a complex and often contradictory influence on the formation of the "Self". The goal is to analyze the mechanisms and specifics of social media's impact on identity formation in adolescence, identifying both the risks and potential opportunities of this process. Methods and materials. This article uses the method of theoretical analysis of domestic and foreign scientific literature on the research topic. Results. The analysis revealed that social networks create a fundamentally new context for identity formation through mechanisms such as selection, manipulation, evocation, and application. Self-presentation, social comparison, feedback, and parasocial relationships, among others, play a major role in this process. Key risks include: the widening gap between the real and ideal "Self", the internalization of unrealistic standards of success leading to increased anxiety and dysmorphia, as well as context collapse, which complicates identity formation. On the other hand, the digital environment provides opportunities for inclusive self-expression, finding like-minded people, and supportive communities, which can serve as a resource for personal growth. Conclusions. Social networks, acting as a new ecological microsystem (Navarro, Tudge), actively influence the process of identity formation, providing a unique platform for it. Their influence is dual, presenting both risks and resources for the development of a teenager's personality.