Identity in the Internet Age: A Study of Patricia Lockwood's No One is Talking About This. Raising students critical thinking in the classroom

Abstract: As digital media become increasingly entwined with our daily lives, the importance of understanding its impacts on personal identity, particularly among adolescents, is paramount. The paper argues that Patricia Lockwood's novel No One is Talking About This effectively dramatizes these challenges, making it an ideal text for fostering critical thinking in English education. The study reveals that Lockwood's novel offers a poignant critique of digital media's influence on personal identity and social relationships. The protagonist's journey from immersion in social media to a return to genuine human connection provides valuable insights into the complexities of identity formation and the importance of authentic relationships in the digital age. It suggests that using contemporary literature like Lockwood'snovel in classrooms can foster critical thinking about digital media's impact on personal identity, mental health, and social behavior among students. Additionally, it identifies a need for further research on effective pedagogical strategies for discussing sensitive topics related to digital media use and for accommodating diverse student experiences and backgrounds. Keywords: Patricia Lockwood, No One is Talking About This, Digital Media Literacy, Social media, Identity, Sense of self, Critical Thinking