Belonging and Social Media: Latinx Teenagers’ Experiences in a YPAR Study
Drawing on figured worlds and geographies of selves frameworks, we use critical ethnographic methods to explore three Latina teenagers’ experiences and ideas about social media and identity that were expressed throughout a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) project. While their discussions s...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
SAGE Publishing
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Social Media + Society |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051251319577 |
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| Summary: | Drawing on figured worlds and geographies of selves frameworks, we use critical ethnographic methods to explore three Latina teenagers’ experiences and ideas about social media and identity that were expressed throughout a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) project. While their discussions show a clear awareness that these sites are often inaccurate and biased, teenagers still admit to comparing themselves with others online and feeling disconnected. By sharing stories about racial and linguistic discrimination in virtual spaces, participants highlight how many social inequities are being reproduced online. However, they also express optimism that social media has potential to offer new ways to connect with their communities and express multifaceted identities. Their experiences highlight a need for intentional opportunities in our schools and communities to critically reflect on ways that technology positions us and explore our power to redefine these roles. |
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| ISSN: | 2056-3051 |