The Reshaping of Youth Social Communication by Social Media in the Digital Age: An Analysis Based on Social Network Theory 
Sun Chang

Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387;

Abstract: With the rapid development of digital technology, social media has deeply integrated into the daily lives of young people and become an important carrier of their social interaction. This article is based on social network theory and uses literature research and case analysis methods to explore the reshaping effect of social media on youth social interaction. Research has found that social media has expanded the spatial boundaries of youth social interaction, reconstructed the interactive patterns and relationship forms of communication, and also triggered problems such as communication alienation and social capital differentiation. On this basis, this article proposes to guide young people to use social media rationally, build a healthy communication ecology that integrates online and offline, and provide theoretical reference and practical inspiration for the healthy development of youth social communication.

Keywords: social media; youth; Social interaction; Social network theory; digital age

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