Screen time has changed dramatically in the 21st century. Although most people still watch television and work on computers, social forms of media are expanding rapidly, in part due to the growth of the Internet and cellular networks. These interactive and social media include social networking sites, online video sharing, virtual worlds, mobile phones, and video chat. Starting as early as ages 1 or 2, many children start using these tools, increasing the likelihood that social media will influence the development of social skills, interpersonal dynamics, and social-emotional learning.
The Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) will host a symposium during its Biennial Meeting that presents research on children from early childhood to young adulthood, addressing how social media are connected to social skills, values, how people experience emotion, and relationships. This symposium brings together interdisciplinary research that draws on a variety of research methods from the fields of psychology, medicine, education, and communication.
Among the questions to be addressed:
The symposium will take place in the Washington Convention Center, Room 4C-4, on Friday, April 19, from 12:30 to 2 p.m.