Lost or redefining? the modern teenager's search for identity

In the ever-evolving landscape of the 21st century, today’s teenagers are navigating a world more complex than ever before.

- By: Ananya Khandelwal

Social media, rapid technological advancements, and mounting societal pressures have created an identity crisis unique to this generation. Often labelled as “lost,” they are not simply disconnected or uncertain—they are grappling with an overwhelming array of choices, expectations, and influences that make self-discovery more challenging than in previous generations. Rather than being adrift, they are in the process of redefining their place in an increasingly unpredictable world.

The teenage years have always been a time of self-discovery, shaped by identity, relationships, and societal expectations. However, in today's hyperconnected world, concerns have grown that teens are more adrift than those before them. Is this just a recurring generational complaint, or is there something deeper at play?