Psychological Problems of Children and Young People in the Digital World

Abstract

In the modern world, the influence of the Internet and information technologies is very large, and the age limit of users is getting lower and lower. For this reason, the issue of impact on children's development and behavior is fully expected. The views of scientists and the public are divided, and the more new media communications develop, the more evidence there is of their negative impact. The aim of the paper is to review the basic characteristics of the influence of the Internet, computer games and other media on children and young people, as well as the psychological problems that may arise. It is even considered that excessive use of modern communication technology contributes to changing our traditional, immediate interpersonal relationships, partnership, peer and parent-child relationships, which are being damaged. This can contribute to the emergence of new "role models" found on the Internet because the Internet, television and other media shape the psyche of modern children who spend 5 to 10 times more with them than in activities with their parents. Today's young people who are on the Internet for hours every day often do not know how to listen to each other, they are impatient to express what they want. They lack essential social skills to navigate the real social environment because they do not have enough opportunities to develop the power of empathy in direct contact with their loved ones. Instead of live chat, they exchange messages and pictures. Digital violence is particularly widespread on social networks among young people and children, precisely because they do not have developed empathy, emotional and social intelligence, and therefore are not aware of the consequences of their inappropriate social behavior on other people. Digital communication is fast and efficient for the exchange of information, it brings many conveniences in everyday life and work, but it lacks immediacy and monitoring the feedback of the interlocutors, both verbal and non-verbal. And precisely that feedback (interlocutor's signals) is essential in modeling human-quality communication and building healthy relationships.