From Habbo Hotel to TikTok: Navigating Through Complexities of Online Identity and Struggles of Belonging.

Abstract

In this reflective piece, I explore my experience with different social media platforms and how they have shaped my identity as a first-generation Afghan immigrant in Finland. Using autoethnographic methods, I draw from personal memories and experiences to examine how each platform has influenced my online identity and aided me in navigating the intricacies of online behaviour. Through this intimate exploration, I question the relationship between algorithmic identity and personal identity, offering a personal perspective on the impact of social media in the lives of individuals with close relationships to online platforms.