Use of digital technology in adolescents: a bibliographic review in the field of socialization and cognitive development

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70577/asce.v4i4.520

Keywords:

Cognition, Human-computer interaction, Youth, Socialization, Digital technology Resumen del artículo, en idioma inglés.

Abstract

The use of digital technology among adolescents is increasing rapidly. The objective of this research was to study the use of digital technology among adolescents through a literature review to analyze their digital socialization and cognitive development. The PRISMA method was applied, maintaining a qualitative, analytical, and critical approach; a final sample of 18 scientific articles was used. It was found that digital technology is an indispensable element in our society; at the same time, it has radically transformed social interactions and learning strategies. It is worth considering that research has focused solely on its risks, therefore, evidence regarding its benefits is scarce. Furthermore, digital devices can support cognitive growth or exacerbate developmental challenges depending on the context, content, and duration of use. It is worth considering that, the increasing ease of access to video games has increased concern about their cognitive, behavioral, and developmental implications. Adolescents have managed to maintain a close relationship with digital technology; however, the use of social media has not generated significant social development. It is emphasized that these technologies can generate positive interaction, provided that the time used is balanced. Finally, before using video games, it is necessary to identify their impact on memory and cognitive processes, to avoid problems that alter healthy cognitive habits.

 

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Abolfathi, M., Dehdari, T., Zamani-Alavijeh, F., Taghdisi, M. H., Ashtarian, H., Rezaei, M., & Irandoost, S. F. (2022). Identification of the opportunities and threats of using social media among Iranian adolescent girls. Heliyon, 8(4), e09224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09224 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09224

Adam, N. F., Pramono, S. E., Yulianto, A., Subali, B., & Widiarti, N. (2025). Smart Learning from a Young Age: A Systematic Review of Digital Technology Integration for Cognitive Development. Jurnal Kependidikan: Jurnal Hasil Penelitian dan Kajian Kepustakaan di Bidang Pendidikan, Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran, 11(2), 921. https://doi.org/10.33394/jk.v11i2.15666 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33394/jk.v11i2.15666

Benvenuti, M., Wright, M., Naslund, J., & Miers, A. C. (2023). How technology use is changing adolescents’ behaviors and their social, physical, and cognitive development. Current Psychology, 42(19), 16466-16469. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-04254-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-04254-4

Bitto Urbanova, L., Madarasova Geckova, A., Dankulincova Veselska, Z., Capikova, S., Holubcikova, J., Van Dijk, J. P., & Reijneveld, S. A. (2023). Technology supports me: Perceptions of the benefits of digital technology in adolescents. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 970395. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.970395 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.970395

Borgonovi, F., Pokropek, M., & Pokropek, A. (2023). Relations between academic boredom, academic achievement, ICT use, and teacher enthusiasm among adolescents. Computers & Education, 200, 104807. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2023.104807 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2023.104807

Calderón Gómez, D. (2020). Technological Socialization and Digital Inclusion: Understanding Digital Literacy Biographies among Young People in Madrid. Social Inclusion, 8(2), 222-232. https://doi.org/10.17645/si.v8i2.2601 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17645/si.v8i2.2601

Chassiakos, Y. (Linda) R., & Stager, M. (2020). Current trends in digital media: How and why teens use technology. En Technology and Adolescent Health (pp. 25-56). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-817319-0.00002-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-817319-0.00002-5

Chen, L. L., Mirpuri, S., Rao, N., & Law, N. (2021). Conceptualization and measurement of digital citizenship across disciplines. Educational Research Review, 33, 100379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2021.100379 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2021.100379

Chen, Y., & Ding, Z. (2024). Effects of digitalization in preschool education on the creative and cognitive development of children. Education and Information Technologies, 29(16), 21567-21591. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12730-y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12730-y

Clemente-Suárez, V. J., Beltrán-Velasco, A. I., Herrero-Roldán, S., Rodriguez-Besteiro, S., Martínez-Guardado, I., Martín-Rodríguez, A., & Tornero-Aguilera, J. F. (2024). Digital Device Usage and Childhood Cognitive Development: Exploring Effects on Cognitive Abilities. Children, 11(11), 1299. https://doi.org/10.3390/children11111299 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/children11111299

Demaria, F., Pontillo, M., Di Vincenzo, C., Bellantoni, D., Pretelli, I., & Vicari, S. (2024). Body, image, and digital technology in adolescence and contemporary youth culture. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1445098. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1445098 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1445098

Eras Lévano, C. J., Balarezo León, D. G., Guerrero Granda, H. S., & Jaramillo Villafuerte, R. F. (2025). Aplicación de la Inteligencia Artificial (IA) en la educación superior: Impacto, Factores determinantes y su relación con el aprendizaje. ASCE, 4(3), 2183-2205. https://doi.org/10.70577/ASCE/2183.2205/2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.70577/ASCE/2183.2205/2025

Ferretti, A., Adjei, K. K., Ali, J., Atuire, C., Ayuk, B. T., Banougnin, B. H., Cengiz, N., Gichoya, J., Jjingo, D., Juma, D. O., Kotze, W., Krubiner, C., Littler, K., McCradden, M. D., Moodley, K., Naidoo, M., Nair, G., Obeng-Kyereh, K., Oliver, K., … Vayena, E. (2024). Digital tools for youth health promotion: Principles, policies and practices in sub-Saharan Africa. Health Promotion International, 39(2), daae030. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daae030 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daae030

Gámez-Guadix, M., & Machimbarrena, J. M. (2025). Internet risks and challenges among young adults and adolescents: An overview and research prospects / Riesgos y retos de Internet entre jóvenes y adolescentes: una visión general y perspectivas de investigación. Journal for the Study of Education and Development: Infancia y Aprendizaje, 48(3), 483-503. https://doi.org/10.1177/02103702251358182 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/02103702251358182

Habeeb, K. (2024). Kuwaiti parents’ and teachers’ perceptions of online learning in kindergarten. Education and Information Technologies, 29(8), 9959-9988. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-12196-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-12196-4

Haddock, A., Ward, N., Yu, R., & O’Dea, N. (2022). Positive Effects of Digital Technology Use by Adolescents: A Scoping Review of the Literature. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(21), 14009. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114009 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114009

Lee, L., & Liu, Y.-Y. (2025). Integrating Digital Technology Systems into Multisensory Music Education: A Technological Innovation for Early Childhood Learning. Applied System Innovation, 8(5), 125. https://doi.org/10.3390/asi8050125 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/asi8050125

Liao, S., Yu, L., Kruger, J.-L., & Reichle, E. D. (2024). Dynamic reading in a digital age: New insights on cognition. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 28(1), 43-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2023.08.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2023.08.002

Okoye, H. U., & Saewyc, E. (2024). Influence of socio-contextual factors on the link between traditional and new media use, and young people’s sexual risk behaviour in Sub-Saharan Africa: A secondary data analysis. Reproductive Health, 21(1), 138. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-024-01868-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-024-01868-0

Ordóñez Fernández, M. M., & Alonso Ferreiro, A. (2023). Las tecnologías digitales en el entrenamiento de las funciones ejecutivas: Una revisión sistemática de literatura. Revista Interuniversitaria de Investigación en Tecnología Educativa, 120-136. https://doi.org/10.6018/riite.570521 DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/riite.570521

Saleh, E. F. (2024). Adolescent Socialization in the Digital Age: The Role of Internet Usage and Social Networks. En Prof. A. G. Chiang (Ed.), Recent Research Advances in Arts and Social Studies Vol. 8 (pp. 66-98). B P International. https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rraass/v8/6181A DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rraass/v8/6181A

Setiawan, R., Aprillia, A., Tjahyadi, R. A., Lu, C., Nursalin, K. K., Abednego, F., & Vaher, K. (2025). Analysis of the Effects of Social Media on Children Education Mechanisms. Aptisi Transactions on Technopreneurship (ATT), 7(2). https://doi.org/10.34306/att.v7i2.559 DOI: https://doi.org/10.34306/att.v7i2.559

Sharma, K., & Gera, M. (2025). Social Media Addiction and Adolescent Mental Health: The Mediating Role of Cognitive Interference in Digital Communication. Language, Technology, and Social Media, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.70211/ltsm.v3i2.185 DOI: https://doi.org/10.70211/ltsm.v3i2.185

Smirnova, S., Livingstone, S., & Stoilova, M. (2021). Understanding of user needs and problems: A rapid evidence review of age assurance and parental controls. EuConsent. http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/112559(open in a new window)

Soldatova, G. U., Rasskazova, E. I., & Chigarkova, S. V. (2020). Digital Socialization of Adolescents in the Russian Federation: Parental Mediation, Online Risks, and Digital Competence. Psychology in Russia: State of the Art, 13(4), 191-206. https://doi.org/10.11621/pir.2020.0413 DOI: https://doi.org/10.11621/pir.2020.0413

Stornaiuolo, A. (2017). Contexts of Digital Socialization: Studying Adolescents’ Interactions on Social Network Sites. Human Development, 60(5), 233-238. https://doi.org/10.1159/000480341 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1159/000480341

Swider-Cios, E., Vermeij, A., & Sitskoorn, M. M. (2023). Young children and screen-based media: The impact on cognitive and socioemotional development and the importance of parental mediation. Cognitive Development, 66, 101319. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogdev.2023.101319 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogdev.2023.101319

Uncapher, M. R., & Wagner, A. D. (2018). Minds and brains of media multitaskers: Current findings and future directions. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 115(40), 9889-9896. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1611612115 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1611612115

Vedechkina, M., & Borgonovi, F. (2021). A Review of Evidence on the Role of Digital Technology in Shaping Attention and Cognitive Control in Children. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 611155. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.611155 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.611155

West, M., Rice, S., & Vella-Brodrick, D. (2024). Adolescent Social Media Use through a Self-Determination Theory Lens: A Systematic Scoping Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(7), 862. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070862 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070862

Weyers, L., Crowley, T., & Tokwe, L. (2025). Preferences of South African Adolescents Living with HIV in the Western Cape Province Regarding the Use of Digital Technology for Self-Management. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(7), 972. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22070972 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22070972

Published

2025-11-24

How to Cite

Casillas Ochoa, J. O., Canchignia Terán, D. A., Medina Gómez3, B. A., Morán Zambrano, I. A., & Muñoz Ramírez, R. M. (2025). Use of digital technology in adolescents: a bibliographic review in the field of socialization and cognitive development. ANNALS SCIENTIFIC EVOLUTION, 4(4), 1966–1988. https://doi.org/10.70577/asce.v4i4.520

Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.

Most read articles by the same author(s)