The Role of Emotion Regulation in the Relationship Between Digital Addiction and Identity Formation Among Adolescents

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the relationship between digital addiction and emotional development during adolescence, highlighting the psychological and social implications of excessive digital use. Digital addiction is defined as a compulsive reliance on the digital environment, leading to emotional imbalances, impaired emotion regulation, affected self-esteem, and difficulties in forming a balanced psychological identity. The research examines various factors influencing digital addiction, including personal traits like anxiety and the need for social acceptance, as well as environmental factors such as parental supervision and digital accessibility. Theoretical findings indicate that digital addiction results in multifaceted impacts on emotional growth, including heightened levels of stress and anxiety, diminished empathy and emotional understanding of others, reduced social problem-solving skills, and a decline in the quality of real-world interpersonal relationships. The study concludes with a set of recommendations aimed at promoting digital literacy and emotional resilience among adolescents to mitigate the negative effects of the digital age on their psychological well-being.