Digital Culture and Its Impact on Youth Social Behavior: A Sociological Perspective

Abstract

This study examines the growing influence of digital culture on youth social behavior, a phenomenon increasingly associated with the restructuring of social norms, identity formation, and patterns of interaction in contemporary society. The objective of this research is to provide a sociological analysis of how digital culture functions not merely as a technological medium but as a structuring environment that shapes youth behavior. Employing a systematic literature review approach, this study analyzes recent scholarly works to synthesize key sociological patterns related to digital socialization, identity construction, and peer interaction. The findings reveal that digital culture has transformed traditional forms of socialization into a “digital habitus,” where youth behavior is shaped by algorithmic systems, performative identity practices, and continuous cycles of social feedback. This transformation reflects a shift from stable, community-based interactions toward fluid, networked, and visibility-driven social relations. The study concludes that digital culture fundamentally reconfigures the nature of social interaction and identity among youth, necessitating the development of new sociological frameworks as well as critical digital literacy. This research contributes to the advancement of social sciences and humanities by offering a deeper understanding of social behavior in the digital era.