Over the past few years, the use of interactive media has witnessed a marked increase particularly among young people (Kelly et al., 2018; Sert & Başkale, 2022 ) fuelling a radical transformation of  socialization and self-perception practices among them. A key factor in this regard has been the formation of echo chambers, or silos of like-minded individuals, on Social Networking Sites (SNS) that not only shape individuals’ understanding of social reality but also play an important role in the formation of their self-identity. This study investigates the correlation between social media echo chambers and the development of self-identity among young people in Pakistan. The research explores how these online bubbles serve as safe spaces for socially marginalized youth to find their self-expression and coherent identity. Drawing upon the framework of the Social Identity and Selective Exposure theories, a sample of 100 young people, aged 18-25 — based on Arnett’s (2000) definition of emerging adults — with diverse ethnic, religious, gender, and socio-political backgrounds, was surveyed using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. The findings of the study indicate that contrary to popular belief, individuals act as active agents in selecting online communities they engage with while bubbles of these communities, and their respective collective presentation impact the individual’s perception of her self-identity. Moreover, it was revealed that as socially isolated individuals form discrete personal identities through supportive online spaces, the lack of acceptance in their offline lives increases their attitude of resentment toward their positioning in society.

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