Digital Culture and Identity Construction among Indonesian University Students

Abstract

The rapid development of digital technology has transformed the way university students construct their identities, communicate, and participate in social life. Digital culture not only influences individual behaviour in using digital media but also shapes how students express themselves, build personal identities, and engage with online communities. This study aims to examine the influence of digital culture on identity construction among Indonesian university students. A quantitative approach was employed using a survey method involving active university students from various higher education institutions in Indonesia. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression analysis. The findings indicate that digital culture has a positive influence on students' identity construction, particularly in terms of self-expression, social communication, and participation in digital communities. However, intensive engagement with digital media may also affect the consistency of individual identity within broader social environments. These findings suggest that digital culture has become an essential element in shaping students' identities within contemporary digital society. Therefore, the responsible use of digital technology is necessary to foster positive identity construction and strengthen social interaction in both academic and community settings.