The purpose of this course is to understand how social-emotional development in childhood and adolescence is shaped and influenced in today's world intertwined with digital technologies, and how these interactions intersect with developmental processes. Students will learn to critically evaluate research on the effects of the digital age on child and adolescent development, analyze the developmental consequences of digital experiences in light of developmental theories, and discuss methodologically sound research designs.

This course examines children’s and adolescents’ interactions with digital technologies from a developmental perspective. The first weeks focus on how to evaluate causal claims about the effects of digital technologies on development and on basic theories of social-emotional development. Then, in the digital age, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and parenthood are discussed in order, with in-depth analysis conducted each week through discussions and student presentations on a specific reading.