International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Publications ISSN (Online): 2581-6187 425 Aliyah Faye Labaguis, Marc Julius Clerigo, John Jarold Maqui, Kristel Mae Mandawe, and Kristine Cerenado, “For Me Lang Naman Ha: The Aftermaths of Social Media Influence on Gen Z’s Identity,” International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Publications (IJMRAP), Volume 7, Issue 11, pp. 425-432, 2025. For Me Lang Naman Ha: The Aftermaths of Social Media Influence on Gen Z’s Identity Aliyah Faye Labaguis 1 , Marc Julius Clerigo 2 , John Jarold Maqui 3 , Kristel Mae Mandawe 4 , Kristine Cerenado 5 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 General Education Department, Far Eastern University, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines – 1015 Email address: aliyahfayelabaguis@gmail.com, marcjuliusclerigo@gmail.com, midaonichiwa@gmail.com, kristelmaemandawe@gmail.com, kcerenado@feu.edu.ph Abstract— In this digital age, Generation Z — individuals who were born between the year of 1995 and 2012 — has embraced social media as a dominant mode of communication and self-expression. This study explores the influence of social media on the social identity of Gen Z, particularly on the self-perception and online presence. Through a qualitative research and in-depth interviews with the students of the school year 2024-2025 from Far Eastern University – Manila, the study examines how digital platforms shape the behavior, attitudes, and mindset of this generation. Findings of this study revealed that while social media fosters connection and entertainment, it also affects users’ self-image and social interactions, often creating both empowerment and detrimental effects on their identity. Overall, this study highlights the power of social media as a path for connection and self-expression, but also opens a risk to self-identity which makes it essential to promote mindful and informed use among the Generation Z. Keywords— Generation Z; self-expression; social identity; self- perception; social media presence. I. INTRODUCTION In today's era, the new way of communicating for most people, especially the younger generation like the Generation Z, is through social. As technology progresses, the life of the human race progresses as well, and helps us share various information through the internet – where many individuals have access to most of it. The exchanging of information becomes easy and fast, and many coming from Generation Z loved this for its convenience and accessibility. The accessibility of new technology to most Generation Z has impacted how they communicate with one another and how they see themselves or how they want others to see them which is what they call the social media standards that many from young generations follow (Sitompul et al., 2023). Generation Z, ranging from 1995 to 2012, consists of adults, young adults, and teenagers who may seem to have a fond share of the use of technology, especially social media. Social media has become part of their lives, and nine out of 10 of most adults from Generation Z have viewed social media as entertaining, and 76% of those use this platform as an entertainment source. The same (91%) of the individuals said that social media is for connection, and meanwhile, the other side (43%) may have used this to isolate themselves (Skiera, 2024). The advancement of technology and the presence of social media have become so strong that it has affected individuals' lifestyles, social skills, behavior and attitude, and social identity of this generation (Sitompul et al., 2023). This study aims to conduct in-depth interviews and qualitative research to critically analyze the aftermath of social media influence on the mind and self-identity of Generation Z. The responses of interviewees from Far Eastern University- Manila will help explore the impact of social media platforms on their behavior, attitudes, and mindset, which shape their self-identity. Many students relate to the effects of the digital era, where individuals in their generation may have spent more time on the internet than in real life. Moreover, the findings indicate that social media plays a crucial role in shaping one's self-identity. Students note that social media can either inspire hope or create chaos, and with the vast increase in users and accessibility, information comes from various sources. Overall, the study highlights the power of digital media in sharing and gathering information and how this influence can either contribute to personal growth or negatively impact an individual's identity. 1.1 Statement of the Problem This study aims to answer the following questions: 1. What are the effects of social media influence on Gen Z’s social identity in terms of: 1.1 self-perception 1.2 social media presence 1.2 Scope and Delimitations This study focuses on determining the effects of social media influence on Gen Z's social identity within self- perception and social media presence. Timely social issues will be the basis of the effects among the Far Eastern University – Manila students, during the school year 2024- 2025, who belong to Generation Z, which were born between the years of 1997-2012. The researchers will conduct an in- depth interview, in the said university, with the participants to gather the information needed for this study. 1.3 Significance of the Study This research is important because it investigates how Far Eastern University Manila students, who are mostly from Generation Z, are impacted by media and how social media affects their ability to understand how social media influences their social identity. This research will clarify on how much social media impacts their critical thinking and interpretation