Expressions of identity by young adults in Northern Ireland through the visual medium of digital collage

Abstract

This doctoral thesis delves into the intricate realm of identity expression among young adults in Northern Ireland. Utilising visual ethnography, participants are provided with a canvas to visually articulate their identities through images and other elements to create a digital collage.

The study is grounded in a robust literature review exploring the exploration and presentation of identity by youth, and contextualised within the historical backdrop of Northern Ireland's conflict-ridden past. This contextualisation sheds light on the nuanced expressions of identity observed in the study's findings.

Drawing from a cohort of 73 participants aged 18 to 25, recruited from Further Education (F.E) colleges across Northern Ireland, the study utilises a combination of identity collage creation, subsequent focus group discussions, and questionnaires to gather a rich tapestry of data about the demographic.

Utilising a grounded theory methodology, the analysis unveils two pivotal themes: ethno-national identities and media-informed identities. These findings shed light on the multifaceted nature of identities observed among today's young adults. The study uncovers how young individuals navigate the complexities of identity, revealing various social behavioural elements that span across religious, national, social, and political spheres. These findings reflect a spectrum of responses, with some participants being open about their identities while others choose to keep certain aspects of themselves hidden.

Investigations into media selection and consumption, coupled with behavioural, cognitive, and emotional responses, along with the utilisation of media for emotional support through 'comfort characters,' unequivocally highlight the profound influence of media on identity formation. Furthermore, insights into media-inclined youth subcultural groups, fantasies such as lust and admiration, and commercialism collectively provide a holistic understanding of how modern media landscapes sculpt identity narratives among young individuals.

Date of Award	Oct 2025
Original language	English
Sponsors	Department for the Economy
Supervisor	Jim Donaghey (Supervisor) & Helen Jackson (Supervisor)