Up to 58 per cent find that having an online presence makes them feel more comfortable in their own skin, and one in three (34 per cent) think this is made easier when assuming a persona.
Lack of confidence (55%), pressure from society (34%) and judgment from others (42%) are among the top reasons young people struggle to be themselves.
And while half admit to having a «secret» alter ego where no one knows who they really are, 55 percent often try to use social media to try to make their life seem more exciting than it really is.
Adobe commissioned the research to mark the launch of its new range of digital tools inspired by David Bowie , created in association with Bowie 75 to commemorate his 75th birthday and the 50th anniversary of one of his most beloved alter egos: Ziggy Stardust.
Simon MorrisVice President of Marketing, EMEA and APAC, said: «We know we’re in a new era of self-expression, and the next generation is more likely than ever to break down barriers and set their own rules, but sometimes showing this off in the real world can be daunting.
«With this newfound fervor for creativity and expression, we drew inspiration from tastemakers like David Bowie, whose vision was limitless.»
The study also found that while 40 percent think that being comfortable in their own skin comes with age, more than a fifth believe they won’t show their true colors until they’re in their 40s.
And 59 percent believe they will one day remember their younger self and wish they had been more comfortable with who they were.
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Instagram, Facebook and TikTok are the top platforms that young people use the most to express themselves, with music (30 percent) and fashion (27 percent) named as the best ways to really show who you are.
The research, conducted via OnePoll, also found that two-thirds have been positively influenced by a public figure, with Harry Styles, Zendaya and David Bowie making the top 20 list.
For half of Gen Z, these people inspired them to take care of what’s important to them, while 45 percent felt encouraged to be more creative.
But seven out of ten believe that society is on the right track to break down all barriers and become more self-expressive and authentic in the future.
The campaign is the latest in an ongoing initiative by the brand to restore historic artist tools that have changed the world and put them into the hands of modern creators.
Simon Morris added: “We passionately believe that creativity is for everyone, and who embodies that spirit as much as David Bowie? A true icon who crucially believed that «art» is inherent in everyone.
«With these digital tools, we want to push the limits of creativity and empower artistic expression, inspiring anyone with a story to tell and empowering them to create amazing characters, just like he did.»