Abstract

Electronic media like the Internet, mobile phones, computer games etc. have become an integral part of our professional, social and private lives. Some of the functions and effects of electronic media are widely appreciated such as information delivery and entertainment. Other effects such as internet addiction and cyber bullying are, however, alarming. Nevertheless, among young people especially, electronic media enjoys great popularity. This widespread use has raised concerns that children and adolescents may be particularly susceptible to harmful effects of electronic media. An ever-growing body of research investigates the impact of electronic media on its users. Most of these studies focus on negative outcomes like aggression, addiction, and social isolation. However, more and more studies explore positive outcomes such as literacy and enhanced cognitive skills. In this talk, I will present data on the use of electronic media among young people and will address some of the potential impacts of electronic media on this user group.