Using Facebook to explore adolescent identities

Abstract

This study examines the construction, deconstruction and reconstruction of adolescent identities through an exploration of their social practices within a digital landscape using mobile devices and Facebook for learning in the classroom and in their lives. Using a mixed methods research approach of qualitative case study analysis and quantitative surveying, the research investigates the relationship between a multiliteracies pedagogy and the development of adolescent digital literacies and identity. More specifically, it answers the following research questions: 1) How are adolescents’ identities shaped and performed, as they use new media tools and social media in the classroom? 2) How does the use of mobile devices and Facebook in the classroom potentially transform teaching and learning literacy practices? The researchers found that using social networking sites such as Facebook can motivate students to engage with the content and explore how they perform their identities to others, but privacy issues are still a concern to some students.