There has been an exponential uptake of digital technology in the past decade, and especially since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of the research has focused on the possible adverse effects of escalating digital technology use on child and adolescent development, with few studies investigating the potential benefits of digital technology use for children and adolescents. This chapter examines the effects (positive and negative) of digital technology use on adolescent resilience focusing on social involvement, intrapersonal functioning, and brain development in adolescence. In addition, sex and age-related differences, and the ameliorating effect of mindfulness practices on digital technology overuse are discussed, along with the interaction of digital technology within mindfulness practice. While this chapter looks at digital technology use in general, we acknowledge that different types of digital technology may affect adolescent development and resilience in diverse ways.
Elsevier, Shaping the Future of Child and Adolescent Mental Health: Towards Technological Advances and Service Innovations, 2023, pp 3-31
