Identity

Maanya Kohli

Performing Belonging: How Gen Z Uses Instagram to Communicate Social Connection

A close-up headshot of a young woman with warm brown skin, dark hair pulled back, and a soft, friendly smile. She wears round, brown-rimmed glasses, gold hoop earrings, and a delicate gold chain necklace with a small heart pendant over a black halter top. Her lips are glossy with a reddish tint, and the background is softly blurred.

Hi, I’m Maanya, a Professional Communications student at TMU who’s fascinated by how social media shapes the way we connect, express ourselves, and make meaning out of everyday life. I’m into all things creative including music, film, pop culture and I spend a lot of time being (very intentionally) chronically online. I’m also a huge foodie, so if I’m not consuming media, I’m probably cooking, baking, or thinking about my next meal.

This project looks at how Gen Z uses Instagram to show and shape belonging. Instead of focusing on how people present themselves, it explores how connection, friendship, and shared experiences are communicated through posts. By analysing images, captions, and everyday content like photo dumps, the research shows how belonging is not just experienced, but actively constructed. It reveals how social media plays a powerful role in shaping what belonging looks like and how we understand connection in everyday life.

Lightning Talk

Browse More Identity Research

More Projects

A well-lit close-up portrait of a woman with warm skin, long dark wavy hair, and a friendly smile. She is wearing bright red lipstick, winged eyeliner, and a red textured sweater against a softly blurred light gray background.

Ra’eesa Baksh

Combatting the use of AI in Deepfake Pornography
A close-up portrait of a smiling woman with warm tan skin, dark brown eyes, and long, glossy dark curly hair flowing over her shoulders. She has a small gold nose ring and wears a black square-neck top with a delicate gold chain necklace featuring two interlocking heart charms. Her smile shows white teeth, and the background is softly blurred.

Nanaki Rai de Haan

The Digital Shadow: How Digital Footprints Shape Young Adults Lives and Self-Perception
A light-skinned young man with a warm, friendly smile looks directly at the camera in a close-up portrait. He has medium-length dark brown hair, amber eyes, and a neat dark goatee. He is wearing a dark blue collared shirt under a ribbed dark blue knit zip-up sweater with a gold zipper and subtle lighter grey striped details. The background is a smooth, light grey.

Carter Thomas

Behind the Gear: Occupational Factors Affecting Miscarriage Rates in Female Firefighters
Scroll to Top