S Ramanjaneyulu, PhD Scholar in the Department of Education and Education Technology (DoEET), School of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad (UoH) under the supervision of Dr. A.S. Jalandharachari, along with L. Lavanya, a master’s student from the Department of Telugu, School of Humanities, UoH their research paper are accepted for presentation at the 24th International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD) Biennial Conference. The conference, themed “Innovations in Social Work and Social Development for Sustainable Change,” will take place from January 8-10, 2025, at Rajagiri Business School in Kakkanad, Cochin, Kerala.

The paper titled “The Psychological Impact of Digital Storytelling on Identity Formation: A Humanities Perspective” explores the transformative role of digital storytelling in shaping identity, self-perception, and emotional well-being. The study mainly focuses on how digital platforms like blogs, social media, and archives allow individuals to reflect on their personal journeys, providing a powerful medium for self-expression and community engagement. Utilising a qualitative approach, the research analyses 20 digital stories, interpreting them through Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. Their findings highlight how digital storytelling foster’s identity formation, particularly for marginalised voices, enabling a more profound sense of belonging and emotional resilience.

ICSD 2025 Global Conference on Social Development to Address Sustainable Change will gather scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and students from diverse fields to discuss innovative social development practices critically. It aims to explore how social work professionals have addressed global challenges and contributed to advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Topics will cover technology integration, social justice, mental health, community empowerment, and environmental resilience.

Key themes include:

  • Education and Lifelong Learning
  • Health and Well-being
  • Technology and Digital Solutions
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Policy Advocacy and Social Change

The conference emphasises the significance of inclusive, holistic approaches to development, fostering collaboration between stakeholders and empowering marginalised communities. The event will also feature special publications in the International Journal of Community and Social Development (IJCSD) (Scopus Q1).

Conference link: https://conference.rajagiri.edu/icsd/