Written by: Lynn Tian
Edited by: Morgan Diep
In an increasingly developing world, societal demands strain traditional narratives and shape each generation in the way individuals perceive and interact with the world around them. The emergence of new technologies paves the way for unprecedented modes of communication and interconnectedness, however, overreliance on these new technologies presents issues of their own. Unlike their predecessors, Generation Alpha’s (born 2010-present) formative years are characterized by the internet and social media platforms as the primary source of information, education, and social interaction.
In raising Generation Alpha, parents have found themselves navigating uncharted territory as they adjust to the widespread influence of technology on their children’s upbringing. Unlike previous generations, where hands-on experiences and direct interactions played an integral role in the development of the child, contemporary parents are increasingly relying on digital technologies to offer information and entertainment to their children. A recent 2023 Nielsen Audience Report yielded that adults over the age of 18 spend almost 10 hours daily on media platforms, with an average of 5 hours and 13 minutes accessing the internet with their digital devices. Similarly, the shift in screen use is further reflected in children as seen in a 2021 study conducted by Moreno et al., revealing that children under eight years of age are spending an average of 2 hours and 19 minutes per day on screens. This transition in lifestyle and parenting practices underlines the growing reliance on technology as an educational tool but also subjects children to the vast and chaotic online world. The study highlights a notable transformation in how parents approach early education and in parenting methods due to the ever-evolving technological advances. However, the potential consequences and effects of the new digital age are still under question in how the new generation will develop.
As the torchbearers of the digital age, Generation Alpha faces a radical change in the way they form connections and acquire knowledge. Traditional methods of learning and exposure to the outside world were predominantly facilitated by the parents or caregivers. In the modern day, the role has been extended to the vast expanse of the internet and social media. This shift in the center of influence has profound implications for the cognitive and emotional development of young children today. Multiple studies have shown that younger generations have the propensity for short attention spans and symptoms of withdrawal, e.g. depression and anxiety, as a byproduct of a technological-driven upbringing.
As the psychosocial and neurobiological ramifications of problematic social media use (PSMU) come to the forefront, recent studies shed light on the possible consequences and complexities of technological impact on mental health and overall well-being. A 2022 study conducted by Shannon et al. revealed that problematic social media use exhibits parallels with addiction-like behavior, manifesting symptoms akin to substance-related issues, including withdrawal, tolerance, and dependence. The parallels between internet addiction and substance-related addictions are further explored by Kuss et al. (2018). The activation of reward pathways in the brain is repeatedly stimulated, contributing to the development of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and an overall dysregulation of mood, further exacerbating mental health challenges. Moreover, Tereshchenko’s research in 2023 delves into the correlations between PSMU and comorbidities, emphasizing strong links to depressive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
As the newer generations experience the consequences of excessive internet use and technological dependence, it has become evident that the impact extends beyond the statistics and beyond the screen. The intricate interplay between the psychological and neurological factors underlines the urgency of addressing the issue. By creating a balanced relationship and adjusting to technological advances, we can pave the way for improving future generations and fostering resilience and well-being.
References:
1. Kuss, D. J., Griffiths, M. D., Karila, L., & Billieux, J. (2014). Internet addiction: a systematic review of epidemiological research for the last decade. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 20(25), 4026–4052. doi:10.2174/13816128113199990617
2. Moreno, M. A., Binger, K. S., Zhao, Q., & Eickhoff, J. C. (2021). Effect of a family media use plan on media rule engagement among adolescents: A randomized clinical trial: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Pediatrics, 175(4), 351–358. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.5629
3. Shannon, H., Bush, K., Villeneuve, P. J., Hellemans, K. G. C., & Guimond, S. (2022). Problematic social media use in adolescents and young adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis. JMIR Mental Health, 9(4), e33450. doi:10.2196/33450
4. Tereshchenko, S. Y. (2023). Neurobiological risk factors for problematic social media use as a specific form of Internet addiction: A narrative review. World Journal of Psychiatry, 13(5), 160–173. doi:10.5498/wjp.v13.i5.160
5. As media options proliferate, quality audience data is the key to delivering marketing impact. (2023, May 4). Retrieved December 8, 2023, from Nielsen website: https://www.nielsen.com/insights/2023/as-media-options-proliferate-quality-audience-data-is-the-key-to-delivering-marketing-impact/
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