Internet-based identity experiments in late adolescence [Ileri ergenlik yillarinda internette kimlik denemeleri]

Abstract

This study's objective is to describe the nature of the identity experiments of university students on the internet; the participants are 230 students enrolled in Anadolu University prep school. Data was collected by means of The Sense of Identity Scale-Köker Form, Questionnaire of Identity Experiments on the Internet and Personal Information Questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out with logistic regression analysis. The results of logistic regression analysis indicate that 53.5% of students experiment with their identity on the internet. These students present themselves as more intelligent (56.9%), less shy (56.1%), more fictitious (40.7%) and more beautiful (35%). They also stated that they present themselves as someone else to speak more easily (74%), to meet or get to know others more easily (64.2%) and to say more things (62.6%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that sense of identity and gender were related with identity experiments on the internet.