Growing up online: how the new digital playground creates emotional domino effects in Gen Z & Gen Alpha

Today’s children are growing up in a rapidly evolving digital landscape in which digital media shape communication, identity formation, and emotional development. Recent international data show that 96% of 15-year-olds have access to digital devices at home and 98% own a smartphone. Smartphone ownership is occurring at younger ages, with ~70% of ten-year-olds owning one, though national rates range widely—from 29% in Türkiye and 40% in France to >90% in Latvia, Poland, and Nordic countries. Digital engagement is substantial; while a quarter of 15-year-olds report ≤20 hours/week online, at least half exceed 30 hours/week in most countries. Problematic patterns are emerging: 1 in 8 girls and 1 in 13 boys (11–15 years) show problematic social media use, including impaired time management, disruptions to daily routines, interpersonal conflict, and dissatisfaction with digital habits.

Research shows that problematic digital usage and addictive engagement are associated with symptoms of anxiety, depression, body image distress, poor sleep, cognitive decline, academic failure and psychosocial strain in young people, especially when use interferes with daily functioning and offline support systems.

This presentation synthesizes current data and conceptual frameworks to explore how the digital environment functions as a modern developmental context influencing emotional trajectories among Gen Z and Gen Alpha. We discuss mechanisms such as algorithmic reinforcement, social comparison, and digital communication norms, and outline implications for child and adolescent mental health practice, prevention strategies, and policy development.

Dr. Barasha Saharia is a consultant psychiatrist and de-addiction specialist. Dr. Saharia has one international, thre national and 3state level publications. She has interest in Addiction psychiatry, sleep medicine , child and adolescent mental health. She has presented symposium in national conferences. She has won awards in several paper and poster presentation at national and state level conferences.She is currently practicing in a government medical college in Assa, India.