Prosociality as a resource for identity formation in adolescents with Internet addiction

Abstract

The article discusses identity formation in adolescents with Internet addiction, focusing on prosociality as a potential resource for personal development. The theoretical framework draws upon the work of L. S. Vygotsky, A. N. Ayanyan, D. A. Leontiev, E. Erikson, and others, analyzing the conditions, factors, and stages of individual and social identity formation during adolescence, including the experience of developmental crises. Contemporary research highlights the impact of the digital environment on this process. For instance, a study by L. A. Regush and colleagues ‘Psychological Problems of Adolescents in Russia During the Digitalization Period (2010–2020)’ identified new problem areas for adolescents related to societal life, health, and material well-being, while also noting an increased interest in using information for self-expression, autonomy, and overcoming communication barriers. According to M. M. Odintsova, online identity is becoming an important component of adolescent life, as they navigate hybrid real-digital space dedicated to communication, friendship, and active promotion of ideas, sometimes for material reward. Thus, the Internet serves as a crucial resource for socialization and personal identity formation. Scholars, such as S. A. Lantsov, E. A. Shmelev, P. A. Kislyakov, and others conceptualize prosociality as a personal resource that fosters directedness, integrity, moral and conscious behavior, and constructive relationships. Prosocial activity is thus considered an important resource for both personal transformation and civilizational development. Critically, online platforms can either enhance or diminish prosociality, thereby either facilitating or hindering identity formation. Consequently, this study aims to investigate prosociality as a resource for identity formation in adolescents with Internet addiction. This article presents the results of an empirical study of prosocial behavior and Internet addiction in adolescents aged from 13 to 17. A comparative analysis of the data using Student’s t-test identified differences across age groups, traced the dynamics of prosocial feelings, prosocial actions, and manifestations of Internet addiction, and pinpointed key trends and periods in identity formation. A correlation analysis partially confirmed the initial hypotheses and revealed specific links between Internet addiction, general prosociality, prosocial feelings, and prosocial actions within each group of subjects at different stages of adolescent identity formation.