Media Narratives and the Development of Youth's Cultural Identity: Bangladesh Perspectives

Abstract

Bangladeshi youth are shaping their cultural identity amidst rapid digital transformation, postcolonial influences, and growing media globalization. This study investigates how media narratives from various sources contribute to identity formation through themes of national, religious, and class belonging. Employing qualitative methods and cultural frameworks, it explores the transition from collectivism to individualism, cultural hybridization, and the rise of new subcultures, and analyze secondary literature and media examples from Bangladeshi media July 2024 to June 2025. Key findings highlight the influence of identity dualism, urban-rural divides, and transnational media flows on youth perceptions. The media balances the preservation of Bengali customs with global trends, reflecting and creating youth culture. The study concludes that media is crucial for Bangladeshi youth's cultural and political socialization and promotes inclusive media practices to support varied identities in a multicultural society.