Trying on different styles, interests, beliefs, and ways of presenting ourselves has always been a part of growing up. Today, much of that identity exploration happens online, where young people can experiment with who they are. But how do likes, comments, algorithms, and peer expectations influence who they feel they should be? How might children perform differently in online spaces, presenting alternative versions of themselves? What happens when an AI chatbot becomes a place for personal questions, trying out identities, or seeking guidance about who they are?
Children and Screens held the #AskTheExperts webinar “Who is the ‘Real Me’? How Online Life Influences Youth Identity Development” on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Part three of the “Character Matters: Values and Resilience in the Digital Age” explored how digital experiences shape the way youth navigate their developing identities. Parents and caregivers left with guidance for recognizing when digital identity exploration is a healthy part of growing up, when it may be affecting a child’s well-being, and how to support young people as they figure out who they are, both online and offline.
The “Character Matters” series is made possible through the support of Grant 63314 from the John Templeton Foundation. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation.
