Alpha generation s social media use sociocultural influences and emotional intelligence

Alpha Generation’s Social Media Use

Overview

• Examines social media use among the Alpha generation (born entirely in the digital age).

• Focus on sociocultural influences and emotional intelligence.

• Highlights the gaps in current research primarily focused on adolescents, particularly regarding preadolescents.

Study Details

• Participants: 721 preadolescents aged 10-15 (M = 12.1, SD = 0.87).

  • Boys: 45.7% (N = 341)

  • Girls: 52.7% (N = 380)

• Hypotheses Tested:

  1. Increased social media use correlates with addiction.

  2. Social media promotes sociocultural appearance ideals.

  3. Increased social media use is inversely associated with emotional intelligence.

• Key Findings:

  • Social media use predicted addiction (β = .47, p < .001)

  • Reinforced appearance ideals (β = .39, p < .001)

  • Inversely associated with emotional intelligence (β = −.22, p < .01)

Introduction

Importance of Preadolescence

• Transition between childhood and adolescence linked with significant developmental changes.

• Emotional development critical for handling emotions and social interactions.

• Poor emotional management can lead to mental health issues (depression, low self-esteem).

Influence of Social Media

• Social media platforms blend physical and virtual experiences.

• Serve as mediators shaping self-perception through activities like photo sharing.

• Increasingly significant for Generation Alpha, who grow up immersed in technology.

Sociocultural Influences

• Social media serves as a primary influence on body image and emotional intelligence.

• The Tripartite Influence Model suggests three main influences shape appearance ideals: media, parents, peers.

• Exposure leads to internalization of unattainable ideals causing body dissatisfaction.

Alpha Generation and Social Media

Social Networking Sites

• Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok contribute to shaping digital identities.

• Italian preadolescents engage frequently in online activities (games, messaging).

• Generation Alpha defined by constant access to information influenced by parental sharing.

Gender Differences in Usage

• Females show higher engagement with social interaction on platforms like Snapchat, while males prefer leisure-based content.

Emotional Intelligence and Social Media

Definition and Development

• Emotional intelligence is the ability to be aware of and manage one’s emotions and relationships.

• Trait Emotional Intelligence (TEI) encompasses emotional self-perceptions and skills.

• Digital Emotional Intelligence integrates emotional intelligence with digital competence affecting interaction online.

Challenges for Preadolescents

• Emotional development is critical at this age; social media's influence is significant.

• Usage patterns involve complex emotional signals that are crucial for emotional management.

Methodology

Sample and Design

• Two-wave panel survey in collaboration with seven schools, collecting data across two time points.

• Retention rate: 75.1%.

Instruments Used

• Sociodemographic Information: Age, gender, school year.

• Social Media Usage: Questions on device ownership and social media engagement.

• Trait Emotional Intelligence: Measured using TEIQue-CSF.

• Sociocultural Standards: Assessed through SATAQ-4 R.

Results

Social Media Usage Trends

• High and increasing usage of internet-connected devices and social media platforms.

• Average number of platforms used shifted from 5.0 to 5.3 across time points.

Addiction Scores

• A slight decrease in average social media addiction scores from T1 to T2.

• Females showed greater social media dependence than males, especially at T2.

Emotional Intelligence Scores

• TEI scores showed a slight decrease over time, indicating vulnerabilities in emotional intelligence among preadolescents.

Discussion

Correlation of Findings

• Increased social media use correlates positively with addiction and internalization of beauty standards.

• Inverse relationship between social media usage and emotional intelligence confirmed.

Implications for Policy and Practice

• Need for proactive strategies against social media addiction in schools.

• Incorporate comprehensive media education and emotional intelligence training.

Conclusions

• Findings emphasize high social media use and its impacts on mental health.

• Early interventions encourage healthier media consumption habits and address addiction risks among preadolescents.