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Impact of Digital Media on Youth Social Behavior
Author(s): Rohan Rao AapteAbstract
The rapid expansion of digital media over the last two decades has fundamentally transformed the social environment in which young people grow interact and construct their identities. Digital media platforms such as social networking sites instant messaging applications online video-sharing platforms and interactive gaming environments have become deeply embedded in the everyday lives of youth. This research paper examines the multifaceted impact of digital media on youth social behavior focusing on patterns of communication social interaction identity formation emotional expression civic engagement and interpersonal relationships. The study adopts a conceptual and analytical approach based on existing theoretical frameworks and empirical literature to understand how digital media simultaneously enhances social connectivity while also generating new social challenges. The paper argues that digital media is neither inherently beneficial nor harmful rather its influence on youth social behavior is shaped by factors such as intensity of use socio-cultural context digital literacy and individual psychological characteristics. While digital media enables youth to expand social networks express opinions freely and participate in global conversations it also contributes to issues such as social isolation cyberbullying reduced face-to-face interaction and the commodification of social relationships. By critically analyzing both positive and negative dimensions this paper seeks to provide a balanced understanding0020of how digital media reshapes youth social behavior in contemporary society and offers insights for educators policymakers and researchers to promote healthier digital engagement.