Ana Hermeto Kubrusly

Bem-estar digital, crianças e jovens

Introduction

Bem-estar digital, crianças e jovens. Critica a visão patológica do bem-estar digital de crianças e jovens, apontando falhas no foco em tempo de tela. Propõe novas abordagens para entender os complexos efeitos da tecnologia.

Abstract

A partir de uma reflexão teórica, este artigo elabora uma crítica à perspectiva patológica do bem-estar digital, que o define pela sua negativa, associando-o à ausência de transtornos mentais ligados ao meio digital, como o vício em internet. Considera-se que a abordagem patológica apresenta duas principais fragilidades: por um lado, a ênfase metodológica no tempo de tela enquanto uma variável definidora do bem-estar digital, e, por outro, a negligência teórica relativa a aspectos estruturais do meio digital, como a economia da atenção e as dinâmicas das tecnologias persuasivas. No caso do público infantojuvenil, essas fragilidades parecemser agravadas, visto que a atual geração de crianças e adolescentes ocupa um lugar inédito face às novas tecnologias digitais. A fim de responder a essas lacunas, serão apresentadas três possíveis abordagens alternativas para estudar o bem-estar digital de crianças e adolescentes. A partir desses novos paradigmas, ressalta-se a importância de afastar a pesquisa acerca do bem-estar digital do determinismo tecnológico, considerando que os efeitos decorrentes do uso de tecnologias digitais são complexos e têmrelação com aspectos e práticas individuais dos usuários e também com questões estruturais e socioculturais.

Review

This article offers a timely and crucial theoretical reflection on the concept of digital well-being, particularly as it pertains to children and youth. The authors effectively critique the dominant "pathological perspective," which narrowly defines digital well-being by the absence of mental disorders like internet addiction. This critical stance is well-justified, as the paper highlights two significant weaknesses: an undue methodological emphasis on screen time as a definitive variable and a profound theoretical neglect of structural factors inherent in the digital environment, such as the attention economy and persuasive technologies. This initial framing sets a robust foundation for a re-evaluation of how digital well-being is conceptualized and studied. The article compellingly argues that these fragilities are exacerbated when considering children and adolescents, a demographic occupying an unprecedented position relative to new digital technologies. By underscoring the unique context of this generation, the paper identifies a critical gap in current research approaches. The prevailing pathological view, with its focus on symptom absence and screen time metrics, fails to adequately capture the complex interplay of individual, social, and technological factors influencing young people's experiences online. This specific focus on the vulnerability and unique characteristics of child and youth populations strengthens the paper's central critique and establishes a clear need for alternative frameworks. To address these identified shortcomings, the authors propose three alternative approaches for studying digital well-being in children and adolescents. This move away from the limitations of the pathological perspective is vital, as it promises to foster a more holistic and nuanced understanding. The paper's ultimate call to detach digital well-being research from technological determinism is particularly commendable, advocating for a recognition that the effects of digital technology use are multifaceted and deeply intertwined with individual user practices, as well as broader structural and sociocultural issues. This theoretical contribution has the potential to significantly advance the field, guiding future research towards more comprehensive and effective strategies for promoting genuine digital well-being.

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