Exploring the Social Networking Experiences of Third-Culture Kids in Qatar: How Does Social Media Support the Identity and Transition?

With globalization and technology increasing, there has been a rise in the number of people living cross-culturally. With this, Third-Culture Kids (TCKs) are also growing. This study aims to explore the social networking experiences and the ways social media has become part of TCKs' daily communication habits, where their identity development could be influenced. By looking at the transition and change in identity, it would be plausible to understand the importance and impact of social media on third-culture kids. The method used in this study is a qualitative method with a phenomenological design. Data was gathered by interviewing 28 third-culture kids between 17 and 25 who stayed in Qatar for at least eight years and eventually ventured out of the small bubble. The study's results showed the salient impact of social media use on third-culture kids' identity as adolescents and how it altered once they entered adulthood.