Social Media and its Impact on Cultural Identity in Algerian Society

Abstract: Our society is, nowadays, known as the knowledge society as a result of the digital and technological revolution that has brought about radical changes in various life, social, cultural and economic aspects. The openness to the world, the broad use of the Internet and the development of communication technology have turned the world into a small village dissolving all temporal and spatial boundaries. The issue of digitalization becomes a sensitive and controversial issue when it is addressed in relation to cultural identity, especially in Arab-Islamic societies, including Algerian society, which is characterized by an authentic cultural and social heritage. The concept of cultural identity is considered a complex topic as it is related to the social values acquired by individuals through their social upbringing. Technological developments have created a space for communication that was previously unavailable to individuals, notably through social media platforms. These platforms have become spaces where social relationships are built beyond the local environment with individuals from various countries. Inevitably, they influence behaviors, lifestyles, beliefs, and cultural components. Accordingly, we can conclude that the Internet and modern communication tools have become a source of socialization for individuals, as they spend a significant amount of time on multiple platforms away from social interaction with family and friends. This can lead to the risk of fragmenting national culture, stripping it of its uniqueness, and replacing it with a globalized culture. This article aims to shed light on the impact of the internet and social media on cultural identity in Algerian society, particularly in the absence of laws, social regulations, and the easy access to these platforms.  Keywords : Digitalization, Social Media, Culture, Cultural Identity.