Caribbean Examination Council | Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination

Communication Studies | Internal Assessment

The Impacts of Social Media in Shaping Youth’s Identity

NAME: RIHANNA WALKER

SCHOOL: YORK CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
CENTER NUMBER: 100131
CANDIDATE NUMBER 1001313230
TEACHER: MISS MILLEN
TERRITORY: JAMAICA
DATE: 2023/2024

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 TABLE OF CONTENT
General Introduction - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3
Preface - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Reflective Piece - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 - 6
Language Analysis - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7

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 GENERAL INTRODUCTION
This portfolio is focused on the theme “Social Media”. The researcher’s study is however
based on the “Impacts of Social Media in Shaping Youths Identity”. Social media is term for
digital technologies that allow people to create, share, and exchange information and ideas in
virtual communities and networks. The portfolio incorporates an original piece, in the form of
a narrative. Based on the use of language registers for the purpose of this the reflective piece
that is compiled is written in the form of a story, and is directly linked to the theme.
"Social media is like a mirror that reflects back to us a distorted image of who
we are, and it's up to us, as well as society, to understand and address the
consequences of this reflection."

The world of communication is evolving rapidly with the advent of new

technologies and media platforms. The proliferation of social media has
fundamentally transformed the way we interact, share information, and
construct our identities. This Internal Assessment explores the impact of social
media on youth identity formation, examining the role of platforms like
Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok in shaping how young individuals perceive
themselves and their place in society.

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 PREFACE
Crafting the narrative of Mia's journey through the impact of social media on teenage identity
required careful consideration of the formal elements that would resonate with our intended
audience – youths navigating the digital landscape. The process of composing this piece
involved multiple stages, from initial ideation to meticulous rewrites and edits to capture the
authentic teenage voice.

The inspiration for the story emerged from the shared experiences of teenagers grappling
with the influence of social media on their self-perception. The challenges encountered
during composition primarily revolved around avoiding clichés and predictable scenarios,
aiming for a narrative that would engage and resonate with the target audience.

The audience for this piece is clear – teenagers navigating the complexities of social media.
The choice of a narrative medium is intentional, suited to their age, gender, and cultural
backgrounds. The purpose of this writing is to provoke self-reflection and foster dialogue
around the impact of social media on identity. The context of the presentation could range
from educational settings to online platforms frequented by teenagers.

The features of the piece, such as relatable characters and authentic teenage language, are
designed to create a connection with the audience. No audiovisual elements are used, as the
power lies in the written word. The technical features, including language strategies and font
size, aim to enhance readability and engagement, ensuring the message reaches and resonates
with its intended audience.

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 REFLECTIVE PIECE
In the peaceful suburban enclave of Crestwood, where white picket fences lined the streets
and young folks strolled along the sidewalks, there resided Mia—a 16-year-old trying to
navigate the labyrinth of growing up while tangled up in the web of social media.

Mia's venture into the online world began innocently enough, spurred by the same curiosity
that drove her adolescent explorations. Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok—she dove headlong
into the virtual ocean, seeking connection and acknowledgment. Little did she suspect that
these platforms would not only shape her online persona but also influence her sense of self.

It all kicked off with a simple selfie, a quick snap of Mia's smiling face. She uploaded it,
hoping for a flood of validation in the form of likes and comments. As the virtual applause
rang out in her notifications, a subtle change began to take hold. The numbers beneath her
post weren't just likes; they morphed into the building blocks of her digital identity, a
measurable gauge of her value in the online sphere.

With each subsequent post, Mia delved deeper into the unwritten rules of the digital stage.
Filters became her tools of artistic expression, each one painting a different facet of herself.
The pressure to conform to the visually pleasing standards set by influencers turned her into a
curator of her own life. Every caption, every hashtag, added another layer to the canvas of her
virtual existence.

Even language underwent a transformation. Mia's casual conversations with friends started to
incorporate the slang and abbreviations that dominated the digital world. She found herself
typing "OMG" more frequently than saying it aloud, and "LOL" replaced genuine laughter.
Emojis became a universal language, conveying emotions without the need for words in the
digital realm.

As time passed, Mia noticed a subtle shift in her self-perception. The meticulously curated
versions of her life displayed on social media began to blur the lines between reality and the
virtual world. The insecurities that once lingered in the shadows now clamored for attention
in the echo chamber of comparison. Mia found herself chasing likes and followers, as if they
held the key to her self-worth.
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The highlight reels of others' lives served as a constant backdrop, a relentless reminder of
what she should aspire to be, how she should look, and what experiences she should be
having. The pressure to conform to the ideals of online perfection chipped away at her
authenticity, leaving behind a trail of self-doubt.

One day, while strolling through her own profile, Mia had a moment of clarity. The reflection
staring back at her felt distant, like a stranger—a pixelated version of herself. In that moment
of realization, Mia resolved to reclaim her narrative.

She started by sharing unfiltered moments, capturing the raw essence of her life. Her captions
became more genuine, revealing the struggles and triumphs behind the carefully crafted
images. Mia embraced her authentic voice, breaking free from the constraints of online
expectations.

Gradually, Mia began to redefine her relationship with social media. The likes and comments
no longer held sway over her self-esteem as she discovered the joy of genuine connection.
Her digital identity evolved from a curated facade to a reflection of her true self—a teenager
navigating life's complexities with authenticity and resilience.

In the quiet town of Crestwood, Mia's journey mirrored the silent struggles of teenagers
everywhere, reminding them that behind the screens and filters lies a real person with real
emotions. While social media may shape the digital narrative, the true power lies in the hands
of those who choose to embrace their authenticity and rewrite the story of their own identity.

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 LANGUAGE ANALYSIS
The narrative unfolds in the suburban town of Crestwood, introducing the central character, Mia, a
16-year-old grappling with the complexities of adolescence and the impact of social media on her
identity. The language register employed in this piece adopts a casual and relatable tone, reflective of
Mia's teenage perspective. The narrator's voice, while maintaining an overall informal style, weaves a
nuanced exploration of Mia's digital journey, mirroring the teenage vernacular.

Mia's initiation into the digital realm is marked by a curiosity paralleling her adolescent exploration.
The language, at this juncture, is laced with innocence and simplicity, reflecting Mia's initial
encounter with social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. The phrases "diving
headfirst into the virtual sea" and "fingers crossed for a wave of validation" encapsulate the narrative
tone, aligning with the teenage register.

As Mia's digital journey unfolds, the language subtly shifts to reflect the transformation catalyzed by
social media. The use of phrases like "virtual applause" and "quantifiable measure of her worth in the
online world" demonstrates an integration of digital vocabulary into Mia's narrative. This shift in
language register mirrors Mia's evolving awareness of the significance attached to social media
metrics.

Dialect variation is evident in Mia's linguistic evolution influenced by the digital lexicon. The
incorporation of slang and abbreviations such as "OMG" and "LOL" signifies a dialectal shift,
aligning Mia's language with the trends prevalent in the virtual space. This linguistic adaptation
becomes a marker of Mia's assimilation into the online culture.

Attitudes to language surface in Mia's self-reflection, where she observes the transformation of her
communication style. The piece portrays a shift from casual, authentic expressions to a more curated
and filtered language under the influence of social media. Mia's realization prompts a return to a more
genuine voice, emphasizing a positive attitude toward authenticity in communication.

Communicative behaviors are depicted through Mia's interactions on social media platforms. The use
of filters and carefully crafted captions becomes a communicative strategy employed to conform to
the virtual standards set by influencers. Mia's decision to post unfiltered moments represents a
behavioral shift, reflecting a conscious effort to redefine her digital communication by embracing
authenticity.

In conclusion, the language in this piece serves as a dynamic tool for conveying Mia's journey
through adolescence and the impact of social media on her identity. The carefully crafted language
register, dialectal variations, attitudes to language, and communicative behaviors collectively
contribute to a thematically relevant exploration of teenage experiences in the digital age.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY