THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE PROCESS OF SELF-DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTH AT THE PREMARITAL STAGE

Abstract

The article explores the specific influence of social networks on the self-development process of young people at the premarital stage a crucial period for shaping the identity of a future family member. Theoretical approaches to the concepts of "self-development of personality," "premarital stage," "psychological readiness for marriage," and "digital identity" are analyzed. The paper highlights the positive aspects of social media influence, such as increased access to educational and psychoeducational content, enhanced self-reflection, modeling of desired relationship patterns, and participation in thematic communities that foster value orientation formation. At the same time, the risks are emphasized, including digital addiction, the creation of unrealistic expectations about relationships and the self, lowered self-esteem, and fragmented identity. The problem of personal self-development is key in psychology, as it is related to motivation, self-knowledge, and self-improvement. Social media and audiovisual content have a significant impact on the formation of young people's identities at the premarital stage. The implementation of educational programs on media literacy that will help young people more adequately evaluate information and form healthy ideas about future relationships is becoming a pressing task. Modifying factors of influence are summarized, including the level of emotional maturity, the development of critical thinking, communicative behavior style, sociocultural context, and existing family models. Within the practical block, directions for psychological and pedagogical support of youth are proposed: development of conscious digital usage skills, critical media literacy, and leveraging social networks as a resource for supporting self-development, self-awareness, and future family planning. Importantly, the formation of responsible online behavior may serve as a predictor of healthy family interactions in the future. Such digital competence should become a target in premarital education. Further research prospects include empirical studies of online communication as a factor in psychological readiness for marriage.