Research Areas
Faculty of Human Science„There is much public and often emotional discussion about the impact of digital media on mental health and opinion formation of children and adolescents. With this university research focus, we aim to contribute to ensuring that public debate is based on empirical findings and support children and adolescents in acting responsibly and competently in a digitally shaped world.“
This University Research Focus addresses the question of what role the digital environment plays in the development of competencies for responsible, self-reliant, and self-reflective participation in society among children, adolescents, and young adults in a world shaped by globalization and processes of transformation.
The aim is, firstly, to contribute to a better understanding of the complex interactions between growing up in a digital culture and the influence and development of individual characteristics of children, adolescents, and young adults (particularly socioeconomic background, democratic values and norms, mental health) through an empirically-quantitative research approach. Secondly, based on this understanding, we aim to develop evidence-based educational measures to strengthen resilience in dealing with an uncertain and disruptive world.
These measures will, on the one hand, utilize the potential of digital offerings – for example, for the design of personalized learning environments that enable more socially equitable access to educational opportunities. On the other hand, they will mitigate or prevent the emergence of potential negative effects of growing up in a digital world.
The research focus operates interdisciplinary, involving researchers from educational science, psychology, primary and inclusive education, business infor, and sociology.
Funding Period: January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028