Digital media (DM) use has increased dramatically in the last two decades, especially among

adolescents. Studies have shown that problematic and addictive DM use in adolescents negatively affects their social, emotional, and cognitive development. Research evaluating the factors contributing to DM addiction has linked it to behavioral regulation problems, especially since DM has a unique nature that challenges regulation abilities. Behavior regulation mechanisms include inhibiting immediate urges, shifting flexibly between activities, and regulating attention. Children with behavioral dysregulation have difficulty balancing rewarding aspects of DM use with less rewarding activities (e.g. academic assignments) increasing their likelihood of developing DM addiction. In this sense, regulated and balanced DM use can be viewed as the opposite of addictive use. Hence, a better understanding of the ability to self-regulate DM use (SRDMU) is necessary to reduce the incidence of DM addiction. This dissertation research project aims to understand how the ability to SRDMU develops during adolescence and which factors affect it. To address my goal I am using a longitudinal research design involving five measurement points, each one year apart. The Data collection began on 2021 and is expected culminate in 2025, covering the full range of adolescence years (10-18). Three hundred forty-seven Israeli parent- child dyads completed separately measures assessing children’s DM use (duration, addiction, and regulation), functioning (academic, social, emotional, and behavioral), children’s behavioral dysregulation and parental practices. The study is expected to shed light on the factors that promote or hinder SRDMU development which will enable us to reduce DM addiction.

Supervisors: Dr. Naama Gershy and Prof. Yehuda Pollak