Instagram, a Decade On: A Living Archive of Identity in Flux

Isha Yadav
University of Delhi

Kshitija Wason
University of Delhi

Abstract

This paper investigates the complex interplay between daily Instagram engagement and the evolving nature of self-perception. Rather than dismissing social media content as inherently superficial, this inquiry asserts its critical role as a dynamic expression of identity, actively constructed, continuously refined, and subject to ongoing re-evaluation. Drawing upon three distinct theoretical frameworks, Marcia’s Identity Status Theory, which categorizes identity development by exploration and commitment, McAdams’ Narrative Identity, which conceptualizes identity as a cohesive life story, and Inayatullah’s Causal Layered Analysis, exploring levels of reality from the superficial to the mythic, this paper introduces the Multi-Layered Digital Identity Negotiation Model (MDINM). This novel model reconceptualizes online documentation not merely as a habitual practice, but as a vital form of identity work. It encompasses individual processes of self-discovery, the deliberate construction of personal narratives, and the subtle yet profound influence of deeper cultural paradigms. Through a comprehensive synthesis of existing research and theoretical constructs, this review offers a recalibrated perspective on digital self-presentation, simultaneously delineating promising avenues for future empirical validation and scholarly inquiry.

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Identity is not found; it is created, woven from the threads of our interactions and reflections.

Introduction

Within contemporary digital landscapes, practices of documenting daily life on platforms like Instagram have become pivotal for individuals constructing, negotiating, and performing their identities. This activity, encompassing images, captions, stories, and reels, extends beyond mere passive consumption or superficial engagement. Instead, it functions as a substantive form of identity work, deeply imbued with both personal and social dimensions (Kermis & Batista, 2023; Elyukin, 2022). As users meticulously curate their digital presence, they engage in iterative processes of self-exploration, narrative construction, and social comparison, frequently navigating the inherent tensions between authenticity and curated performance (Beyond Screen Time, 2021; Digital Identity Formation, 2022).

This paper argues that documenting on Instagram constitutes a multi-layered and dynamic form of digital identity negotiation. To illuminate this complex phenomenon, I draw upon three distinct theoretical frameworks: Marcia’s Identity Status Theory (Marcia, 1966), McAdams’ Narrative Identity (McAdams, 1993), and Inayatullah’s Causal Layered Analysis (Inayatullah, 1998). These frameworks collectively inform the proposed Multi-Layered Digital Identity Negotiation Model (MDINM). Each theoretical lens offers a unique perspective: Marcia’s theory elucidates the psychological processes of exploration and commitment; McAdams’ work centers on the idiosyncratic narratives individuals construct to imbue their lives with meaning; and Inayatullah’s framework prompts an examination of the deeper cultural, discursive, and mythic strata that invariably shape identity. The synergistic application of these frameworks facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of how documenting operates as identity work within digital milieus, highlighting the interplay between individual agency and broader socio-cultural forces.

Contemporary scholarship consistently emphasizes the complexity inherent in digital identity formation, particularly among adolescents and young adults. As Elyukin (2022) observes, social media platforms function as “identity playgrounds” where users actively experiment with diverse self-representations. These experiments are often shaped by immediate peer feedback and the specific norms embedded within each platform. Kermis and Batista (2023) further illuminate the centrality of visual storytelling in shaping self-perception, noting how Instagram, for instance, simultaneously encourages highly curated self-presentation and more spontaneous expressions. This dynamic interplay, it is worth noting, reflects broader cultural shifts in how online authenticity is both conceptualized and enacted (Digital Identity Formation, 2022). Crucially, documenting one’s identity online is not merely a passive reflection; it operates as a generative act that fundamentally influences an individual’s evolving self-understanding.

These digital arenas, echoing themes from Beyond Screen Time (2021), play a critical role in identity formation by offering spaces for introspection, facilitating feedback, and fostering narrative coherence. Such processes are deeply intertwined with an individual’s psychological development, their social connections, and the broader construction of cultural meaning. Consider, for example, the deliberate application of filters, hashtags, and aesthetic choices, which can subtly or overtly convey group affiliations, personal values, or desired self-presentations, often operating at both conscious and unconscious levels (Batista, 2023). While prior research has certainly explored specific dimensions of digital identity, including gender performance (Butler, 1990; Herring, 2015), online authenticity (Papacharissi, 2012), and visual communication (Zappavigna, 2018), few studies have yet attempted to synthesize psychological and sociological theories into a cohesive conceptual framework. This paper endeavors to address this lacuna through an interdisciplinary literature review, ultimately proposing the MDINM as a model designed to elucidate the multifaceted nature of documenting as identity work. In doing so, it aims to contribute meaningfully to ongoing discussions surrounding digital selfhood, laying a foundation for future empirical research and theoretical refinement.

Literature Review

Digital identity negotiation on Instagram is a layered process shaped by psychological development, narrative construction, social feedback, and cultural meaning-making. This section reviews key literature across four themes that inform the Multi-Layered Digital Identity Negotiation Model (MDINM): identity exploration, narrative self-presentation, social comparison, and deeper cultural layers.

a) Identity Exploration and Psychological Development

Our online identities, much like our offline selves, are constantly evolving. Marcia’s (1966) theory, for instance, suggests we explore and commit to different facets of who we are, which on Instagram can be seen as users experimenting with various personas. Many experts now view social media as a space where we actively construct our identities. Elyukin (2022) describes it as an “identity playground” for young people to try out identities, often influenced by peer reactions and platform trends. Kermis and Batista (2023) highlight Instagram’s suitability for this due to its blend of planned and spontaneous self-expression. What we share online isn’t static; it shifts with our growth and changing societal expectations. Batista (2023) even interprets actions like posting, archiving, or deleting content as “developmental signaling,” reflecting significant changes in self-perception and emotional management. While these ideas are compelling, it’s vital to remember that this process is unique to each person. Valkenburg et al. (2021) stress that social media feedback impacts self-esteem very personally, meaning online identity development isn’t uniform but deeply shaped by individual traits and online interactions. This intricate interplay warrants further detailed investigation.

b) Narrative Construction and Self-Presentation

McAdams’ (1993) narrative identity theory suggests we build life stories to define ourselves. On Instagram, this plays out through curated feeds, captions, and highlight reels. Zappavigna (2018) notes visual storytelling creates “ambient affiliation,” subtly sharing values and identities. The Insta-Identity (2023) study confirms users create consistent online personas by aligning content with aspirations like wellness or career success. However, Papacharissi (2012) points out the tension between wanting to be “real” and the platform’s design encouraging strategic curation. Michikyan et al. (2014) add that personality traits like neuroticism and extraversion affect online self-presentation, and whether people adjust their digital selves based on feedback. This highlights the complex interplay of internal traits and external social validation in shaping online identity.

c)  Social Comparison and Peer Influence

Instagram’s built-in features, like likes, comments, and follower counts, really shape identity by encouraging social comparison. Digital Identity Formation: Socially Being (2022) highlights how these numbers affect self-worth and personal narratives, especially in adolescents. Sherman et al. (2018) even show that getting ‘likes’ activates reward centers in teen brains, reinforcing behaviors aimed at social validation. Nesi et al. (2018) connect peer validation on digital platforms to identity development, emphasizing how online peer relationships are transformative. Following Butler’s (1990) theory, identity on Instagram is an ongoing performance, constantly refined by audience feedback. Herring (2015) adds to this by examining how gendered interactions mean social validation can both confirm certain identity performances and sideline others.

d)    Cultural and Mythic Layers of Digital Identity

Inayatullah’s (1998) Causal Layered Analysis offers a robust way to understand digital identity by looking beyond the obvious to uncover deeper structures. Instagram content frequently reflects broader cultural trends, such as those promoting productivity or specific aesthetics, which in turn shape how users see themselves. As Kermis and Batista (2023) highlight, platform aesthetics are rarely neutral; they subtly embed cultural values that users then adopt and perform. This is particularly evident in the strong connection between digital presence and cultural identity for marginalized communities, who use Instagram to gain visibility and express themselves. These underlying elements like worldviews, metaphors, and myths don’t just influence what people post; they also explain why they post and how digital identities are interpreted. Ultimately, documenting life on platforms like Instagram isn’t just about recording; it’s a ritual that’s deeply tied into shared notions of selfhood and societal meaning.

Theoretical Framework

To understand how documenting on Instagram functions as a form of digital identity negotiation, this paper draws on three foundational theories from psychology, narrative studies, and futures thinking: Marcia’s Identity Status Theory, McAdams’ Narrative Identity Theory, and Inayatullah’s Causal Layered Analysis (CLA). Each theory contributes a distinct lens, like developmental, narrative, and cultural, which together form the basis of the Multi-Layered Digital Identity Negotiation Model (MDINM).

a)     Marcia’s Identity Status Theory: Developmental Foundations of Digital Identity

Overview of the Theory

James Marcia (1966) expanded upon Erikson’s psychosocial theory of identity by introducing four identity statuses, delineated by two dimensions: exploration and commitment. These statuses are:

• Identity Diffusion: Characterized by an absence of both exploration and commitment.
• Foreclosure: Marked by commitment without prior exploration.
• Moratorium: Defined by active exploration unburdened by commitment.
• Identity Achievement: Signified by exploration culminating in commitment.

Marcia’s model is extensively employed to elucidate adolescent identity development, particularly in contexts where individuals navigate choices pertaining to values, roles, and self-definition.

Instagram’s Role in Identity Formation

Instagram is a digital arena, especially for young people, to explore their identities through visual and textual self-presentation. The process of posting, saving, and editing content reflects how users balance identity exploration with commitment, a crucial part of identity development. For example, experimenting with different looks could signal a “digital moratorium,” while consistent posts about a career might suggest identity achievement. Research supports this: Valkenburg et al. (2021) found social media feedback significantly impacts self-esteem, showing how online identity is shaped by personal traits and platform interactions. Sherman et al. (2018) also revealed that “likes” activate adolescent reward centers, reinforcing behaviors linked to social validation. This neurological connection demonstrates how platforms like Instagram powerfully influence self-perception and identity.

MDINM Layer 1: Psychological Identity Work

Within the MDINM model, Marcia’s theory constitutes the initial layer, conceptualizing documentation as a developmental process. Instagram thus becomes a crucible for identity exploration, a space where users test, refine, and at times, commit to aspects of their evolving selves.

b)  McAdams’ Narrative Identity Theory: Storytelling as Self-Construction

Overview of the Theory

Dan McAdams’s (1993) theory suggests that our individual identity isn’t fixed but constantly evolving, built upon the life stories we internalize. These “narrative identities” act as complex psychological frameworks that we construct and reconstruct throughout our lives. They function like personal myths, intricately weaving together past experiences, current roles, and future hopes into a cohesive whole. Essentially, narrative identity gives us a sense of purpose and direction by organizing life events into a coherent story, helping us understand our past, present, and future. This integration creates a more stable sense of self, even as we change. This identity forms through a complex interplay of our internal thoughts and external societal factors. Internally, we actively make sense of experiences, shaping them into personal storylines with specific themes. Our understanding and expression of personal stories are deeply shaped by cultural norms. Societies provide common frameworks and archetypes that influence how we construct our own narratives, often highlighting specific virtues or life paths. The range of stories within a culture also impacts our self-story. Furthermore, social interactions, where we refine our narratives through sharing and feedback, are vital. Thus, our narrative identity is a product of the interplay between individual experiences and collective cultural frameworks.

Relevance to Instagram

Instagram is a digital platform where users create personal narratives through posts, captions, and highlight reels that show their values, milestones, and goals. These stories change over time, influenced by audience reactions, platform trends, and cultural shifts. Research by Zappavigna (2018) and Insta-Identity (2023) demonstrates how visual storytelling conveys affiliation, mood, and identity. Michikyan et al. (2014) further note that personality traits, particularly extraversion and neuroticism, affect how consistently users present themselves online.

MDINM Layer 2: Narrative Identity Work

The Multi-Dimensional Instagram Narrative Model (MDINM) uses McAdams’s narrative identity theory as its core. Essentially, when people document their lives on Instagram, they’re actively building their own life stories. Each post, whether a photo or video, becomes a piece of this ongoing narrative. These fragments aren’t just objective; they’re given personal meaning by the user but also shaped by how we present ourselves online. This interaction between what we mean internally and how we present ourselves externally is crucial to how we build and reinforce our identities on Instagram.

c)     Inayatullah’s Causal Layered Analysis (CLA): Cultural and Mythic Dimensions of Identity

Overview of the Theory

Sohail Inayatullah’s Causal Layered Analysis (CLA), developed in 1998, offers a powerful framework for dissecting the multifaceted meanings behind social phenomena. This method moves beyond superficial observations to uncover deeper, often unconscious, influences. CLA posits four distinct layers of analysis:

First, the Litany refers to its most apparent aspects, that is the surface level data, trends, and common perceptions, essentially the “what” that’s immediately observable. Delving deeper, Systemic Causes explores the institutional, structural, and policy-driven factors that shape these observations, addressing “how” the systems and structures work. Further in, Worldview/Discourse examines the cultural narratives, ideologies, and collective beliefs that sustain the phenomenon, asking “why” certain mindsets and language prevail. Finally, the deepest layer, Myth/Metaphor, uncovers the foundational stories, archetypes, and unconscious assumptions that provide meaning, influencing worldviews, systems, and ultimately, the litany.

While initially a cornerstone of futures studies, CLA has found increasing relevance in cultural and media analysis due to its capacity to illuminate the hidden dimensions of human behavior and expression.

Relevance to Instagram

Instagram serves as a compelling case study for the application of CLA. The platform’s content often transcends mere personal expression, reflecting and reinforcing deeper cultural scripts concerning ideals such as beauty, productivity, success, and belonging. Users, often unconsciously, engage in the reproduction of dominant ideologies through their posts, striving to align their digital identities with aspirational myths prevalent in society. For instance, phenomena like the “clean girl aesthetic” or “hustle culture” are not simply fleeting trends; they are potent manifestations of deeper metaphors about femininity, self-discipline, and individual worth that resonate within broader cultural narratives. Further emphasizing this point, Kermis and Batista (2023) contend that the very aesthetics of digital platforms encode cultural values that users subsequently internalize and perform. This suggests that the visual and interactive design of Instagram itself plays a role in shaping user behavior and reinforcing certain cultural norms.

MDINM Layer 3: Cultural Identity Work

Within the proposed MDINM (presumably “Model of Digital Identity Narratives and Meaning-making”) model, CLA plays a crucial role by shaping its third layer. In this context, documenting on Instagram is understood not merely as a personal act of sharing but as a deeply culturally embedded endeavor. The content users post is seen as reflecting not only individual choices and preferences but also the broader discourses and mythic structures that profoundly influence how users perceive themselves and their position within the wider social fabric. This layer emphasizes that digital identity construction is an ongoing process of negotiation between personal expression and the powerful, often unacknowledged, cultural narratives that define our world.

Integrating the Layers: The MDINM Model

The Multi-Layered Digital Identity Negotiation Model (MDINM) integrates three theories to define Instagram documentation as layered identity work. These theories are interconnected; an Instagram post can simultaneously reflect a user’s developmental stage (Marcia), contribute to their life narrative (McAdams), and engage with cultural metaphors (CLA). For example, a graduation post signifies achievement, functions as a personal milestone, and evokes societal myths about adulthood and success.

Table 1: Theoretical Lenses for Conceptualizing Instagram Documenting as Layered Identity Work

By integrating these disparate frameworks, the Multi-Dimensional Identity Negotiation Model (MDINM) proposes a more holistic understanding of how documenting on Instagram serves as a complex negotiation of self. This negotiation, we contend, is inherently developmental, performative, relational, and, crucially, culturally situated. The intricate interplay of these dimensions often goes overlooked in more siloed analyses of digital self-presentation.

The Multi-Layered Digital Identity Negotiation Model (MDINM)

The Multi-Layered Digital Identity Negotiation Model (MDINM) proposes a framework to understand how individuals construct and negotiate their identities through Instagram documentation. Drawing on Marcia’s Identity Status Theory, McAdams’ Narrative Identity Theory, and Inayatullah’s Causal Layered Analysis (CLA), the MDINM views digital identity as a multi-layered process involving psychological development, personal narrative construction, and cultural meaning-making. These layers are dynamic and simultaneous, influencing how users present, reflect on, and interpret their digital selves.

a)     Layer One: Psychological Identity Work (Marcia)

Fundamentally, identity negotiation on Instagram can be understood through the psychological processes of exploration and commitment, concepts central to Marcia’s (1966) identity status model. This framework outlines four distinct identity statuses: diffusion, foreclosure, moratorium, and achievement, each reflecting varying degrees of these two dimensions. Critically, adolescents and young adults are particularly engaged in navigating these statuses, continuously experimenting with roles, values, and self-concepts as they mature.

Instagram offers a potent environment for this developmental experimentation. Users frequently oscillate between different aesthetics, personas, and engagement styles, often leveraging the platform to test emerging identities before solidifying them. For instance, a user might post diverse content ranging from fitness to artistic endeavors, a digital equivalent of an identity moratorium phase. Conversely, consistent documentation of a specific lifestyle or career path could signal a movement towards identity achievement. Empirical evidence supports this dynamic. Valkenburg et al. (2021) observed that social media feedback differentially influences self-esteem, while Sherman et al. (2018) highlighted how receiving “likes” activates reward centers in the adolescent brain, thus reinforcing identity-related behaviors. Within the broader MDINM framework, documenting one’s life on Instagram thus functions as a developmental tool, a mechanism through which individuals actively explore and refine their evolving sense of self.

b)    Layer Two: Narrative Identity Work (McAdams)

Identity is shaped significantly by storytelling. McAdams (1993) views identity as an internalized life narrative, a blend of past experiences, current roles, and future hopes. These narratives provide a sense of continuity, helping individuals understand who they are and who they’re becoming. Instagram serves as a digital space where users craft these personal narratives through curated visual and textual content. Posts often highlight milestones (academic achievements, travels), transformative journeys (physical regeneration, mental well-being recovery), or emerging aspirations (entrepreneurial endeavors, creative pursuits). Features like captions, highlight reels, and carousel posts are narrative tools that allow users to build and express their identities over time. Research supports this narrative function: Zappavigna (2018) shows how visual storytelling fosters ambient affiliation, and Michikyan et al. (2014) demonstrate personality’s impact on online self-presentation. Within the MDINM framework, documenting becomes a narrative act, a way of composing identity through digital media.

c)      Layer Three: Cultural Identity Work (Inayatullah/CLA)

The third and deepest layer of the Multimodal Digital Identity Negotiation Model (MDINM) delves into the cultural and mythic dimensions of identity, drawing profoundly on Inayatullah’s (1998) Causal Layered Analysis (CLA). CLA provides a powerful framework for understanding how meaning is constructed at various levels, from the superficial to the deeply archetypal. It posits four distinct levels of meaning that are crucial for interpreting Instagram content and user behavior:

• Litany (Surface-Level Data and Trends): This represents the most immediate and observable aspects like “what” of a situation. In the context of Instagram, this includes quantifiable metrics like likes, comments, follower counts, trending hashtags, popular filters, and viral challenges. It encompasses the visible patterns and fashionable expressions that circulate widely.
• Systemic Causes (Institutional and Structural Influences): Moving beyond the surface, this level explores the underlying structures and institutions that shape the litany. On Instagram, this translates to the platform’s algorithms, design choices (e.g., the prominence of visual content, the feed’s endless scroll), moderation policies, advertising models, and the broader socio-economic and political forces that influence user demographics and content creation. These systemic elements guide and constrain how identities are presented and received.
• Worldview/Discourse (Dominant Cultural Narratives): This layer uncovers the prevailing ideologies, assumptions, and collective understandings that give meaning to the systemic causes and manifest in the litany. On Instagram, this is where dominant cultural narratives about success, beauty, masculinity, femininity, productivity, authenticity, and consumerism become evident. These worldviews are often embedded in the “influencer” economy, the aspirational content, and the accepted modes of self-presentation.
• Myth/Metaphor (Deep Stories and Archetypes): This is the deepest and most profound layer, representing the unconscious narratives, archetypes, and foundational metaphors that shape human experience and cultural identity. These are the timeless stories and symbols that resonate across cultures and generations. On Instagram, this layer is expressed through recurring visual tropes, symbolic rituals, and the deep emotional resonance of certain types of content that tap into universal desires for belonging, recognition, transformation, and self-actualization.

Instagram content, far from being merely superficial, often reflects and actively reproduces these deeper layers of meaning. Users engage in a complex process of cultural identity work, participating in and perpetuating various “cultural scripts” through their aesthetic choices, caption tropes, and symbolic rituals. Examples of such prevalent scripts include:

• “Hustle Culture”: This narrative emphasizes relentless hard work, entrepreneurship, and continuous self-improvement as the path to success. On Instagram, it manifests through posts about early mornings, late nights, productivity hacks, motivational quotes, and depictions of busy, ambitious lifestyles. These practices encode and perform broader ideologies about achievement, dedication, and the valorization of constant labor.
• “Clean Girl Aesthetic”: This aesthetic promotes a minimalist, refined, and often unattainable image of effortless beauty, wellness, and organization. It involves specific makeup looks, fashion choices, home decor, and lifestyle habits (e.g., elaborate skincare routines, healthy eating). This script encodes ideologies about perfection, self-care as a consumer product, and a certain ideal of femininity.
• “Main Character Energy”: This emergent script encourages individuals to view and present their lives as a compelling narrative, positioning themselves as the central figure of their own story. It involves romanticizing everyday moments, crafting curated aesthetics, and often using specific cinematic filters or soundtracks. This practice taps into a desire for self-importance, narrative control, and a heightened sense of personal agency within one’s own life.

These practices are not merely stylistic, but they are deeply performative and encode broader ideologies about success, beauty, productivity, and belonging. Through their posts, users subtly and explicitly contribute to the collective construction and reinforcement of these cultural narratives.

Supporting this perspective, Kermis and Batista (2023) argue compellingly that platform aesthetics are not arbitrary but are profoundly shaped by underlying cultural values. The visual language, popular trends, and even the “feel” of a platform like Instagram are direct reflections of the prevailing cultural norms and aspirations of its users. Conversely, the SHUSII study (2023) offers a critical counterpoint, illustrating how marginalized users strategically employ documenting practices on these platforms to challenge dominant narratives and reclaim visibility. By intentionally subverting aesthetic norms, sharing alternative perspectives, and building communities, these users leverage the platform’s affordances to resist oppressive worldviews and assert their own identities.

Within the MDINM framework, this third layer conceptualizes documenting on Instagram as a culturally embedded ritual. Identity, in this context, is not a fixed entity but a dynamic process actively negotiated and re-negotiated in relation to shared metaphors, collective meaning systems, and the ongoing dialogue between individual expression and cultural influence. Users are not just consumers or producers of content; they are participants in a living, evolving cultural tapestry, weaving their personal narratives into the larger fabric of shared myths and meanings.

d)     Integrative Function of the Model

The MDINM model does not treat these layers as isolated domains. Instead, it emphasizes their interdependence and simultaneity. A single Instagram post may reflect:

• A developmental stage of identity exploration or commitment (Layer One),
• A narrative milestone or transformation (Layer Two),
• And a cultural metaphor or ideological alignment (Layer Three).

For example, a graduation post may signal identity achievement, narrate personal growth, and evoke societal myths of adulthood and success. By integrating these layers, MDINM offers a holistic framework for understanding documenting as a multi-dimensional negotiation of digital selfhood, one that is psychological, narrative, and cultural in nature.

Table 2 : Layers of Identity Work on Instagram: Theoretical Lenses and Associated Behaviors

Implications

The Multi-Layered Digital Identity Negotiation Model (MDINM) offers a comprehensive framework for understanding how documenting practices on Instagram contribute to identity formation. By integrating psychological, narrative, and cultural dimensions, the model generates implications across three key domains: empirical research, digital literacy education, and platform design.

a)    Implications for Empirical Research

The MDINM model encourages researchers to adopt a multi-theoretical lens when investigating digital identity. While prior studies have examined psychological development (Valkenburg et al., 2021), narrative self-presentation (Michikyan et al., 2014), and cultural discourse (Kermis & Batista, 2023) in isolation, MDINM highlights the need to explore how these dimensions interact in documenting behavior.

Future research can apply MDINM to:

• Track identity transitions by analyzing how users move between Marcia’s identity statuses through Instagram engagement.
• Examine narrative coherence by studying how users construct and revise digital life stories over time.
• Investigate cultural alignment and resistance by exploring how users reproduce or challenge dominant scripts through aesthetic and symbolic choices.

Methodologically, the model supports longitudinal designs, mixed-method approaches, and cross-cultural comparisons, offering a scaffold for studying identity negotiation in diverse digital contexts.

b)    Implications for Digital Literacy and Education

MDINM also holds pedagogical value for digital literacy initiatives, particularly those aimed at adolescents and young adults. By framing documenting as identity work, educators can foster more intentional and reflective engagement with social media.

Digital literacy programs informed by MDINM might:

• Support psychological exploration by helping students recognize how documenting reflects personal growth and experimentation.
• Cultivate narrative awareness by encouraging users to reflect on the stories they tell and how these shape their self-concept.
• Promote cultural critique by guiding users to identify and interrogate the cultural scripts embedded in platform aesthetics and trends.

Such interventions can empower users to navigate Instagram not merely as a space for performance, but as a medium for conscious identity construction.

c)      Implications for Platform Design and Policy

Finally, MDINM offers insights for platform designers and policymakers seeking to create environments that support healthy identity development. Instagram’s features, such as archiving tools, story highlights, and algorithmic feedback, actively shape how users explore, narrate, and culturally situate their identities.

Design implications include:

• Enhancing exploratory affordances by enabling flexible self-presentation (temporary stories, multiple profiles).
• Supporting narrative continuity through tools that allow users to organize and revisit personal milestones.
• Fostering cultural inclusivity by diversifying aesthetic defaults and algorithmic visibility to reduce normative bias.

When platforms acknowledge that documenting is a multifaceted aspect of identity formation, they can more effectively assist users in navigating the intricate nature of digital self-perception, especially during crucial developmental stages.

Limitations

This paper proposes the Multi-Layered Digital Identity Negotiation Model (MDINM) as a theoretical framework to understand documenting on Instagram as a complex, layered process of identity construction. While drawing upon established psychological, narrative, and cultural theories, the model’s limitations should be acknowledged.

a)    Conceptual Scope

The MDINM model is not empirically tested. It is designed as a theoretical synthesis, intended to guide future research rather than claim predictive or causal power. Its strength lies in integration and interpretation, not in measurement. As such, the model should be viewed as a starting point for empirical inquiry, not a definitive framework.

b)    Theory Selection

The choice to integrate Marcia’s Identity Status Theory, McAdams’ Narrative Identity, and Inayatullah’s Causal Layered Analysis reflects a deliberate effort to span psychological, narrative, and cultural dimensions. However, this selection inevitably excludes other relevant frameworks such as Goffman’s dramaturgical theory, Turkle’s work on digital identity, or intersectional approaches to online selfhood. These omissions may limit the model’s applicability across diverse populations and platforms.

c)     Platform Specificity

This paper focuses exclusively on Instagram. While the platform is widely used and visually rich, documenting behaviors vary across digital environments. TikTok, BeReal, LinkedIn, and private messaging apps each shape identity work differently. The MDINM model may require adaptation to account for platform-specific affordances and norms.

d)    Cultural and Demographic Boundaries

The reviewed literature and conceptual framing are primarily situated in Western contexts. Although some studies address marginalized identities and global users, the model may not fully capture the nuances of documenting practices in non-Western, rural, or low-access settings. Future research should explore how cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic factors mediate digital identity negotiation.

Conclusion

This paper has examined the act of documenting on Instagram, revealing it as a complex process through which digital identity is negotiated. By integrating Marcia’s Identity Status Theory, McAdams’ Narrative Identity Theory, and Inayatullah’s Causal Layered Analysis, we introduce the Multi-Layered Digital Identity Negotiation Model (MDINM). This conceptual framework aims to capture the psychological, narrative, and cultural dimensions inherent in self-presentation within digital environments, offering a more holistic view than frameworks that focus solely on surface-level interactions.

Our review of existing literature demonstrated that documenting is far from a superficial or accidental behavior; instead, it constitutes a deeply meaningful process through which individuals explore, construct, and culturally position their identities. Instagram, in this context, serves as a vibrant space where identity work unfolds through experimentation, storytelling, and engagement with broader cultural narratives. The MDINM model provides a structured lens for understanding this intricate process, underscoring how documenting behaviors reflects developmental transitions, narrative coherence, and symbolic participation, elements often overlooked in more technologically deterministic analyses. By framing documenting as identity work, this paper makes a meaningful contribution to ongoing discussions in digital identity studies, media psychology, and sociocultural theory. It advocates for researchers to adopt multi-theoretical approaches, moving beyond single-lens perspectives that may oversimplify complex digital phenomena. Furthermore, it offers support to educators and designers in cultivating more reflective and inclusive digital environments.

For future research, empirically testing the MDINM model across diverse populations and platforms would be valuable, investigating how identity negotiation might vary based on age, cultural background, and technological context. Longitudinal studies, cross-platform analyses, and intersectional frameworks promise to be particularly insightful in refining and broadening the model’s applicability, potentially revealing nuances that cross-sectional studies cannot capture. Ultimately, this paper posits that documenting is not merely a means of sharing. It is, in essence, a process of becoming. Comprehending its layered nature is fundamental to grasping how identity is shaped, enacted, and continually reimagined in the digital age—a crucial insight for navigating increasingly digitalized lives.

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