1. The Role of Digital Technology and Media in Children’s Subjective Well-Being
INTRODUCTION
While there have been several studies examining the socializing effect of digital technology and media (DTM) on children, there is an imbalance towards examining the potential negative effects of DTM (e.g. exposure to violent and sexual content), with very little in the literature about positive effects DTM may have on children’s well-being.
Sample: 22 children, 8-12 years
Procedure: Semi-structured interview & concept map exercise; children drew & explained what was important to them.
Analysis: Transcripts were analyzed using a phenomenological approach:
identifying & coding significance statements
inductively clustering codes into themes
articulating themes & patterns.
DISCUSSION
Daniel J. Mourlam, Gabrielle A. Strouse, Lisa A. Newland
Digital technology and media have a positive role in children’s well-being, such as being rewarding, contributing to life satisfaction, & shaping self-acceptance.
While there are potential negative effects to using digital technology and media, parents and teachers need to objectively evaluate both positive and negative effects when deciding to use DTM at home and at school.
The shift to greater inclusion of digital technologies in children’s home & school lives offers some unique opportunities for positive impact on well-being, such as through connecting them to others, giving them autonomy, & helping them feel safe & secure.
RESULTS
Overarching theme: Children believed DTM had an important, but not essential, role in their lives.
Six sub-themes: Organized by Hedonic (Contributes to happiness and life satisfaction) and Eudaimonic (Cognitive appraisals of one’s life) (Deci & Ryan, 2008)
HEDONIC SUBJECTIVE
WELL-BEING
DTM as Rewarding and Meaningful
Children described earning DTM as rewards for good behavior
Children earned/saved money to purchase DTM
DTM Contributes to Life Satisfaction
DTM used as hobbies and leisure activities, promoting positive mood and life satisfaction
DTM used to relax, have fun, be creative, and “get away”
Common DTM hobbies: TV, movies, video games, internet-based activities
EUDAIMONIC SUBJECTIVE
WELL-BEING
Connections to Others
With Families, Peers, & Community:
DTM helped children feel secure, supported, connected, happy
DTM helped children feel supported, connected, happy
DTM provided opportunities for conflict management
Self-Acceptance
Children described themselves using DTM and its role in their lives
Self-evaluations included kinds of DTM they owned/used, what they enjoy doing w/DTM, and favorite shows, games, & characters
Autonomy
DTM provided opportunities to make choices, express preference, and experience freedom and independence
Sometimes autonomy restricted
Having DTM (radio, cell phone) would help feel safer w/their independence
DTM Skills
Frustration w/lack of DTM skills and ability to use DTM in context of their life
Focus on developing DTM skills to increase life satisfaction
RESEARCH QUESTION
What role does digital technology & media have in children’s lives as it relates to subjective well-being?
METHOD
Sample Quotes
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References
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2008). Hedonia, Eudaimonia, and well-being: An introduction. Journal of Happiness Studies, 9, doi: /s