Emotional Well-being of Adolescents in the Digital Era: A Review of Risks, Resilience, and Protective Factors

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of digital technologies has profoundly reshaped the daily lives of adolescents, providing new opportunities for communication, learning, creativity, and identity formation. While these technologies offer significant benefits, they also carry important implications for emotional well-being during this critical developmental period. This review synthesizes current evidence on the complex relationship between digital engagement and adolescent emotional health, examining both the risks and protective mechanisms that shape outcomes.

Key risk factors identified include excessive screen time, exposure to cyberbullying, online harassment, and the psychological effects of social comparison on social media platforms. These factors have been linked to increased levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and other adverse emotional outcomes among adolescents. Conversely, certain protective factors can mitigate these risks, including the development of digital literacy skills, access to supportive social networks, mindful and purposeful engagement with technology, and parental or caregiver guidance.