Identity Formation Patterns and Online Activities in Adolescence

Online activities can provide a wide range of opportunities for young people in dealing with age-related transitions and developmental tasks, such as forming their identity. This study aimed to unravel the associations between adolescent identity formation and online activities, internet skills, and risks. Using a nationally representative sample of Lithuanian adolescents (N = 549, mean age 15.5 years, 46.6% girls), we examined how adolescents, who were classified into distinct identity statuses (achievement, early closure, moratorium, searching moratorium, and diffusion) across two identity domains central to the adolescent experience (educational and interpersonal identity), differ in their pattern of online activities, skills, and risks. The findings highlighted that adolescents in the achievement and searching moratorium statuses could be characterized by a richness of online experiences. Those in the searching moratorium status also had the lowest level of online risks. In contrast, those in the moratorium and diffusion statuses showed lower diversity and richness of online activities. Adolescents in the diffusion status group also had low internet skills. Adolescents in the early closure group showed a mixed profile of online activities.