The Fluidity of Self: A Literature Review on Identity Flexibility among Generation Z in Coatal City

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-565-2_53How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Identity Fleksibility; Digital Identity; Psychological Well-Being; Generation Z

Abstract

This study investigates identity flexibility among Generation Z. It explores how this flexibility influences psychological well-being and adaptation in the digital era. The study draws from developmental psychology, positive psychology, and digital identity research. Here, identity flexibility is seen as a multidimensional concept. It includes the range of possible selves, dynamic role changes, and adaptability across contexts, while preserving continuity. The results show both adaptive and maladaptive effects. Moderate flexibility, rooted in core values, links to better well-being, career adaptability, and intercultural skills. Too much or unanchored flexibility, shaped by outside pressures or social comparison, can cause identity confusion, psychological distress, and lower resilience. This study offers a new framework for understanding identity flexibility by linking classic identity theories with modern digital self-presentation. The findings highlight the need for educational and counseling interventions. These should encourage healthy identity exploration and create supportive environments, helping Generation Z navigate digital and social challenges without fear of misrecognition or penalty.

Copyright

© 2026 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Khairana Alifian Razaqa
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/04/30
TI  - The Fluidity of Self: A Literature Review on Identity Flexibility among Generation Z in Coatal City
BT  - Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Social Environment Diversity (ICOSEND 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 435
EP  - 444
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-565-2_53
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-565-2_53
ID  - Razaqa2026
ER  -