Tech & teens: insights from 15 studies on the impact of digital technology on well-being

Smahel, David, Šaradín Lebedíková, Michaela, Lacko, David, Kvardová, Nikol, Mýlek, Vojtěch, Tkaczyk, Michal, Švestková, Adéla, Gulec, Hayriye, Hrdina, Matouš, Macháčková, Hana and Dědková, Lenka (2025) Tech & teens: insights from 15 studies on the impact of digital technology on well-being. . EU Kids Online, The London School of Economics and Political Science.

Text (EUKO_IRTIS_report_2025_final-1) Download (1MB)

Abstract

This report explores the short-term and long-term effects of digital technologies—such as smartphones, social media, and online games—on adolescents' psychological, social, and physical well-being. Based on 15 studies conducted over six years by the Interdisciplinary Research Team on Internet and Society (IRTIS) in the Czech Republic, the impact of technology is highly context-dependent, influenced by the specific online activity, affected by individual characteristics, and differs according to the various dimensions of well-being. Crucially, the causal effects of digital technology use vary across adolescents, underscoring the importance of their unique traits and behaviors. Our research highlights the fact that generalized conclusions about the influence of digital technologies are not feasible, because outcomes are primarily shaped by how adolescents engage with these technologies. Despite common oversimplifications in media narratives, the question of digital technology’s impact on adolescent well-being remains nuanced and cannot be reduced to a clear-cut answer.

Item Type:	Monograph (Report)
Divisions:	Media and Communications
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Date Deposited:	03 Feb 2025 13:06
Last Modified:	13 Feb 2025 10:54
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/127158

Actions (login required)

View Item