The Place of Family and Social Media in Socialization: Changing Roles

Abstract

This study aims to examine how the traditional role of the family in the socialization process of individuals is transforming under the influence of digitalization and social media. Historically, the family has accumulated values, personality, and political attitudes of individuals. Today, this function is largely shared with new communication platforms like social media. While social media allows individuals to interact globally and develop their power and new social identities, the socialization process is becoming more complex and multidimensional. As a matter of fact, the family plays a critical role in the formation of an individual's personality and values in early adolescence, it also becomes a powerful tool that shapes individual attitudes and forms through social media in adolescence and adulthood. This study argues that the socialization process is not limited to traditional systems but also is realized through digital platforms, and this leads to the emergence of new forms of identity at both the individual and societal levels.

Keywords: Socialization, family, social media, digitalization, political socialization, identity.