Technology and the Global Adolescent

This Element considers the role of culture in the complex interactions of teenagers with technology.

Adolescents use technology for education, to further their identity and socio-emotional development, to access health information, engage in civic activities, and for entertainment. This comes with challenges. Researchers, parents, and policy makers must consider the role of culture in the complex interactions of teenagers with technology.Around the world, adolescents use technology for education, to further their identity and socio-emotional development, to access health information, engage in civic activities, and for entertainment. For many, technological advances, especially social media, have drastically influenced how they communicate with family, friends, and romantic partners. Challenges of technology use include the digital divide, internet addiction, and exposure to cyberbullying. The diversity of adolescents' cultural context results in heterogeneous bidirectional influences of technology and teenagers with respect to education and close relationships. Researchers, parents, and policy makers must consider the role of culture in the complex interactions of teenagers with technology.