Screen Natives Becoming Digital Orphans: The Online Challenges of Generation Alpha

Abstract

In the digital era, the unprecedented online presence of Generation Alpha creates novel challenges related to problematic internet use. Investigating this phenomenon is essential for understanding the cognitive and social development of this cohort and for formulating effective prevention strategies. Objective: The aim of this study is to measure Problematic Internet Use (PIU) and its influencing and moderating factors. It also investigates the relationships between the dimensions of PIU (control, obsession, and neglect) and demographic variables among representatives of Generation Alpha. Method: This study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design. PIU was measured using a validated, 6-item questionnaire (Problematic Internet Use questionnaire, PIU-6) on a 5-point Likert scale. A total of N = 837 participants were recruited from educational institutions in Fejér County, Hungary. Results: Based on the results, average daily internet use time is the strongest behavioral predictor of problematic internet use; however, the strength of this relationship is significantly moderated by gender and family context. The association between online screen time and PIU is significantly stronger for girls than for boys. Furthermore, the relationship between internet use time and PIU was significant for children from families with higher levels of parental education. Conclusion: Considering family context and gender differences is essential when evaluating the effects of online screen time, as these factors can function as either protective or risk-enhancing elements in the development of problematic internet use among Generation Alpha.