Adolescents’ digital micro-identities: A narrative review of identity exploration, regulation, and integration in online contexts

Adolescence is characterized by identity exploration and sensitivity to social evaluation. Digital environments provide adolescents opportunities to experiment with multiple forms of self-representation. This review synthesized literature on adolescents' digital self-representations to conceptualize micro-identities as temporary, context-specific digital selves that support identity exploration and integration. Literature was identified through database searches focusing on adolescents' digital self-presentation and online identity processes. Studies were synthesized to integrate developmental identity theory with cyberpsychology perspectives. The literature suggests adolescents use avatars and online personas as micro-identities for exploration and regulation, enabling role experimentation and emotion management. However, these present challenges of fragmentation and identity coherence. Conceptualizing digital self-representations as micro-identities provides a framework for understanding adolescents' online behavior. Integrative models accounting for sociocultural contexts are essential for advancing research and practice.