DIGITAL MEDIA AND CULTURAL IDENTITY: EXPLORING INTERSECTIONS, IMPACTS, AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Over time, digital media has evolved from its inception in the 19^th century which ushered in the start of a new industrial era to the advanced innovative technological digital media tools that we have today. Digital media has grown tremendously, infiltrating different industries, societies, and public/private spaces. As such, it has become an integral part of our society and has a significant impact on cultural identity. Through a review of existing literature, this paper delved into the various ways that digital media has been utilized to explore cultural identity. The study contributes to the ongoing discourse on digital media and cultural identity. Guided by the Uses and Gratification theory (1974), the paper analyses the impacts of digital media on cultural identity and also the intersections between digital media and cultural identity. The paper further shed light on the challenges of digital media on cultural identity such as disparities in digital access and literacy, subscriptions, and cyber security threats. The findings from the study highlight the need for full adoption of the various opportunities digital media provides in the expression of cultural identities, empowerment, and visibility. The paper recommends more free training and sensitizations on the different digital media tools, to promote respectful engagement, digital literacy, and inclusivity for users by policymakers and stakeholders.