Story and photos by Kevin A. Green
May 5, 2026 (San Diego) — Social media plays a vital role in shaping individual identity.
On any given day at San Diego State University, students can be seen scrolling through their phones in class, posting updates and watching short videos. For many, platforms such as TikTok and Instagram do more than entertain — they also serve as tools for shaping identity and social connection.
For SDSU students and young adults, social media plays a central role in giving individuals the chance to represent themselves and present a perceived image within campus culture. These trends include fashion and lifestyle choices along with influences on both personal identity and social expectations.
“When I was younger, social media heavily impacted how I viewed myself,” said Taly Shenhar, a senior at SDSU majoring in journalism with an emphasis on advertising and a minor in recreation. “Ever since I started taking social media more seriously and monetizing it, I’ve tried not to let things get to me, but there’s still pressure to look, act and talk a certain way, and do certain things. I think without social media, I wouldn’t have been as into fitness and health as I am, so it has its upsides.”
Students say platforms like TikTok and Instagram influence them to shape a version of themselves that aligns with trends and expectations.
Regardless of whether they are posting curated images or participating in viral challenges, students feel pressure to maintain an alternative online identity.
Such pressure shapes how students present themselves, as well as how they think about their self-image.
“Social media is a great way to express yourself and can be used as a tool to learn, grow and discover. It’s also very important to understand internet safety and be aware of your limits to stay safe,” Shenhar said.
Professionals suggest this behavior reflects broader patterns of social media’s influence on identity formation. Professor Xiaohan (Catherine) Hu is an assistant professor of advertising in the School of Journalism & Media Studies at SDSU and agrees with that.
“I think social media like TikTok and Instagram create a platform for college students to express themselves more freely,” Hu said. “This helps them define who they are and find the groups they belong to. But in this process, I think we also need to note the existence of ‘echo chamber,’ which may reinforce stereotypes not just for building our own identity but also for understanding and relating with others.
”So I would encourage college students to explore the issue of identity outside the social media environment and expose themselves to diversified approaches of representation and communication.”
Short-form video platforms have dramatically accelerated how trends spread and transformed how users engage with content. Exposure to highly curated lifestyles can shape students’ decisions and personal choices. This reflects Uses and Gratifications Theory, which suggests that people select media to satisfy personal needs, including identity formation, social connection and self-expression.
Despite these challenges, many students continue to use social media as a tool for connection and self-expression.
“I engage with a lot of college content creators and have formed a community with people across the country,” Shenhar said. ”I also love fashion creators who focus on coquette and pink styles, and I find myself scrolling endlessly through their accounts. I post a mix of everything — travel, food reviews, vlogs and skincare.
”There’s really no limit. If I find something interesting, I’m sure someone else on the internet will too, and they might relate to other aspects of my personality that I share online.”
This dynamic between self-expression and social pressure reflects the dual impact of social media, offering opportunities for creativity and connection while also encouraging comparison and self-doubt. As social media continues to evolve, its role and impact continue to spark conversations among both students and educators.
At SDSU, many students face the challenge of navigating social media in ways that reinforce, rather than define, their identity. This aligns with Social Learning Theory, which suggests individuals shape behaviors and identities through observation and imitation, especially in media-rich environments.