Exploring the Digital Cognitive Landscape: Theoretical Underpinnings of Internet Use in Children and Teenagers

Abstract

In the context of the new digital era, children and teenagers have gained an access to the Internet which is becoming their everyday reality affecting their cognition. The research focuses on the theoretical underpinnings of Internet use. The areas of language center activation and the application of metacognitive skills, memory, analytical thinking, multitasking, social cue processing, and social competence are specifically emphasized. Whether to portray the factors driving the cognitive issues or to reveal the transformation potential of the online activities, the essay examines the changes affecting digital participation. The ability to grasp the intricate relationships between different age groups and context is only made possible through empirical studies which are the basis for technology evolution. The paper underlines the need for conducting further studies that aim to thoroughly investigate the multi-faceted role of the Internet in cognitive maturation. Keywords: Internet use, cognitive development, cognitive centers activation, metacognitive skills, memory and information retrieval, analytical thinking, and social competence in the digital realm.