Growing up Online

Abstract

In the developed world, it is now common for children to experience a digitally immersed childhood. This chapter explores the implications of this for their psychosocial development and their experience of growing up. The benefits and risks involved in early encounters are considered in relation to video games, the internet and social media. Children's own adaptations to this digital immersion are also considered in terms of their concerns over digital content and the ways that they manage their digital presence in order to stay popular while also avoiding unwanted attention. Finally, children's experiences are placed within their sociocultural context, which shows how changes in parenting practices and the influence of consumer society encourage children's digital immersion.