The Impact of Birth Order on Digital Identity Formation and Online Behavior in the Age of Social Media

Description

Page: 117-122

Arsalan Yaqoob Tunda¹ and Bismirty Bhuyan² (Department of Clinical Psychology, AIBAS, Amity University, Bengaluru, Karnataka¹ and Department of Psychology, Amity University, Bengaluru, Karnataka²)

This qualitative study examines how birth order impacts digital identity and online behaviour among participants aged 15-25 years. Using thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews. The key themes that emerged are birth order’s impact on digital self-presentation and sibling dynamics impact on online behaviour. Eldest children often create a genuine and mature online profile which reflects their responsibility. Middle children express their creativity through online profiles while often balance between sharing things and keeping things private. Youngest siblings usually have playful and imitative behaviour. Only children show a strong sense of independence, presenting themselves thoughtfully and carefully in the digital world. The study also points out how parents and family interactions significantly shape their digital self-expression, while social media serves as a platform for both creativity and a source of comparison and validation. The finding highlights a unique challenges and opportunities that are linked to birth order on digital identity in the age of social media.