The children of today are very much a generation of media. Growing up with the internet and YouTube, they are also a generation of self-identification with this media, and finding themselves in this media. ICarly, YouTube channels, and other media present young people with a whole new mode of communication of communication that requires an audience even while it does not define this audience.
Investigating the relationship between self-formation, media, and the internet, this presentation will seek to clarify the new modes of identity formation that are being produced by this brave new world, where new worlds can be created and artificial identities can be created. This move is coming full circle, as all the contestant-style reality shows (like Master Chef and So You Think You Can Dance) are now spinning off into the Junior versions, providing further forums for this self-marketing of children spawned in childhood and rooted in their ability to develop personalities and self-worth.
At a time when the influence of the internet on children focuses on violence, sexuality, and censorship, it is important to consider how these elements are changing the idea of the self and the character formation which formerly was so heavily influenced by family and lifestyle. While this may offer liberation to some, it may also present a terror to others, creating more environments where public response can damage a child’s psyche and promote self-criticism, anxiety, and instability.
About the presenterAnne Erickson
Drexel English Faculty Frequent presenter at the PCA/ACA national and regional conferences in various areas such as college culture, television, mysteries, literature.