Promoting Mental Health and Cognitive Development Among Digital Natives

Submission Deadline: 31 December 2026 View: 61 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editors

Dr. Jian-Hong Ye

Email: kimpo30107@hotmail.com

Affiliation: Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China

Homepage:

Research Interests: positive psychology, Internet addiction, short video addiction, game addiction

Dr. Weiguaju Nong

Email: nongweiguaju@gxufl.edu.cn

Affiliation: School of Education, Guangxi University of Foreign Languages, Nanning, China

Homepage:

Research Interests: educational psychology, preschool education

Summary

The rapid advancement and widespread adoption of digital technology have resulted in the emergence of the so-called 'digital natives', a term referring to a generation that has grown up in a digital environment. This group has become a vital component of contemporary society. This generation has been exposed to smartphones, social media, online games and various digital platforms from an early age. Their cognitive development, emotional regulation, social interactions and mental health are all profoundly influenced by digital media. While digital technology brings convenience and opportunities, it also introduces potential risks such as distraction, anxiety, addiction, identity confusion and social isolation.

The psychological development and cognitive processes of digital natives raised in a digital environment fundamentally differ from those of pre-digital generations. While digital technology provides them with access to information, social connections, and learning conveniences, it also introduces new challenges such as attention fragmentation, social anxiety, internet addiction, and information overload. Data from the World Health Organization indicates that mental health issues among adolescents are becoming more severe, and the influence of the digital environment is emerging as an important factor that cannot be ignored.

This special issue aims to bring together cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research to explore in depth how the digital environment shapes the cognitive development and mental health pathways of digital natives. Our goal is to move beyond the simplistic "technology is either good or bad" perspective by systematically examining this complex relationship from a viewpoint that acknowledges both its enabling potential and its inherent risks. The topics of this special issue are:
· The relationship between the use of digital technology and the mental health of adolescents
· The impact of social media on the self-identity and emotional regulation of digital natives
· The interaction between the use of digital media and cognitive development, including attention, executive function and learning motivation
· Strategies for the prevention and intervention of internet and gaming addiction and psychological distress
· Sources of stress and the development of resilience among digital natives
· The application of AI and digital tools in the promotion of mental health and educational interventions
· The role of families and schools in the promotion of the mental health of digital natives
· Cross-cultural psychological comparisons of digital natives across cultural differences
· The future implications of digital literacy and psychological well-being
· Mental health policies and educational recommendations in digital environments

Keywords