Cultural Identity In The Age Of Social Media
- IJLLR Journal
- Jul 23
- 2 min read
Shriangi Kaushik, Himachal Pradesh National Law University
[1] ABSTRACT
This research explores social media's impact on students' cultural identity among 80 undergraduate students of the National Law University in India. This research examines cultural homogenization, stereotypes, and cultural appropriation. Thus mixed-methods survey consisting of multiple-choice, Likert-scale, and open responses showed 76.3% of respondents feel that global trends influence local culture, 92% see stereotypes brought by social media ahead of Instagram and Twitter referring to specific cultures, and 95% have seen cultural appropriation occur as a result of social media, with 71% believing that social media culminates in cultural appropriation that is disrespectful. These findings symbolize and signify that social media mediums exist (i.e., Instagram and YouTube) that support globalized cultural exchange, but this dynamic often under-minded and diminishes local traditions, allows harmful stereotypes to persist alongside representations, and allows commodification of cultural elements (i.e., people's clothes or Native American headdresses as fashion). Homogenization promotes interaction between people, but may also result in loss of culture through western dominance; stereotypes often destroy social cohesion among groups as they serve to reinforce negatives, and appropriation often exacerbates a history of oppressive structures to disadvantaged populations or communities, thus destroying economic, social, and cultural integrity. However, social media provides an opportunity for some aspects of marginalized communities to leverage the portrayal of themselves to challenge misrepresentation and combat closeness and promote inclusivity through the portrayal of an authentic identity. The study sets forth recommendations for social media platforms to encourage greater acknowledgement of culture, recommend guidelines and education for influencers on the importance of cultural sensitivity, as well as make more use of advocacy campaigns, to fund policy support campaigns to support local content or creators. This study pioneers an examination of social media’s cultural effects among Indian law students, offering insights for global digital policy. The implications of this study can help to better understand the dynamics of culture inhabiting digital platforms, alongside highlighting the importance of ethical practices. People can support diversity whilst fostering respect and interacting within a global world; these implications offer actionable areas for policymakers, educators, and content creators.
Keywords: Social media, cultural identity, cultural homogenization, cultural stereotyping, cultural appropriation
