Danah Boyd’s theory of teen identity on social media is extremely insightful because it sheds light on the idea of teen expression on social media. This is a topic that is commonly debated by scholars and columnists alike, yet Boyd is the only author to do this well. One piece of evidence that stands out to myself and other readers is a common pattern for youths discerning their online identity, stating “People make decisions about what to share in order to act appropriately for the situation and to be perceived in the best light” (Boyd 48). According to Boyd’s own words, most social media identities are for the most part, chosen by what individuals wish to portray for themselves. This could either be through positive or negative posts and images about the self, society, or interests. However, misunderstandings of these identities can easily be misconstrued by individuals as close as family to the original poster. Boyd refers to these instances as a “context collapse”. This is when people are “forced to grapple with unrelated societal context that are rooted in different norms and seemingly different societal responses” (Boyd 31). Different perspectives of individuals viewing different times can make understanding a post more confusing than intended. Overall, Boyd’s first chapter cements her ideas she will convey in her book, and accurately describes and analyzes the life of teens on social media.
