The digital dilemma of wellbeing for adolescents

ABSTRACT

One consequence of the COVID- 19 pandemic has been the increased use of digital technology in our lives. For adolescents, technology is being used in an increasingly wide range of contexts for learning, to remain connected with each other and to have fun. This increase has, however, raised concerns about the impact technology may have on overall wellbeing. As we face ongoing disruption, we need to focus on how we can better support adolescents to navigate an increasingly digital world. We need to better understand their experiences and how engagement in this digital world can affect feelings of wellbeing. To aid comprehension of these experiences, this chapter draws on three scenarios to illustrate typical experiences of adolescents engaging with digital technology in their home and school life. These scenarios help to unpack different dilemmas faced by adolescents and give life to the real issues and benefits of technology. Drawing on Dodge's concept of wellbeing, we explore the points where challenges are countered by resources and benefits to balance the impact of technology in adolescents' lives. Our understanding is based on the view that use of digital technologies is shaped by sociocultural context and plays a fundamental role in education and general wellbeing. Whilst the chapter speaks from an Aotearoa New Zealand context, these are global issues faced by adolescents everywhere. © 2023 Peter Lang Ltd, International Academic Publishers.