Alpha generation’s social media use: sociocultural influences and emotional intelligence
Preadolescence, a critical developmental stage, is increasingly influenced by social media, blending physical and virtual experiences. Generation Alpha, born entirely in the digital age, is particularly impacted as technology shapes their growing, learning and social interactions. Social media’s emp...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Taylor & Francis Group
2025-12-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Adolescence and Youth |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/02673843.2025.2454992 |
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| author | Lidia Piccerillo Alessia Tescione Alice Iannaccone Simone Digennaro |
| author_facet | Lidia Piccerillo Alessia Tescione Alice Iannaccone Simone Digennaro |
| author_sort | Lidia Piccerillo |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Preadolescence, a critical developmental stage, is increasingly influenced by social media, blending physical and virtual experiences. Generation Alpha, born entirely in the digital age, is particularly impacted as technology shapes their growing, learning and social interactions. Social media’s emphasis on appearance affects body image and emotional intelligence, yet research has primarily focused on adolescents and girls, leaving gaps for preadolescents. This study involved 721 preadolescents aged 10–15 years (M = 12.1, SD = 0.87), with 45.7% boys (N = 341) and 52.7% girls (N = 380). Structural equation modelling examined three hypotheses: (H1) increased social media use correlates with addiction, (H2) promotes sociocultural appearance ideals, and (H3) negatively affects emotional intelligence. Results showed social media use significantly predicted addiction (β = .47, p < .001), reinforced appearance ideals (β = .39, p < .001), and was inversely associated with emotional intelligence (β = −.22, p < .01). Findings highlight both risks and sociocultural influences of social media, particularly on younger users. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-5e831d840c954325b1c93a04a6501156 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 0267-3843 2164-4527 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-12-01 |
| publisher | Taylor & Francis Group |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of Adolescence and Youth |
| spelling | doaj-art-5e831d840c954325b1c93a04a65011562025-01-20T06:40:25ZengTaylor & Francis GroupInternational Journal of Adolescence and Youth0267-38432164-45272025-12-0130110.1080/02673843.2025.2454992Alpha generation’s social media use: sociocultural influences and emotional intelligenceLidia Piccerillo0Alessia Tescione1Alice Iannaccone2Simone Digennaro3Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, ItalyDepartment of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, ItalyDepartment of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, ItalyDepartment of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, ItalyPreadolescence, a critical developmental stage, is increasingly influenced by social media, blending physical and virtual experiences. Generation Alpha, born entirely in the digital age, is particularly impacted as technology shapes their growing, learning and social interactions. Social media’s emphasis on appearance affects body image and emotional intelligence, yet research has primarily focused on adolescents and girls, leaving gaps for preadolescents. This study involved 721 preadolescents aged 10–15 years (M = 12.1, SD = 0.87), with 45.7% boys (N = 341) and 52.7% girls (N = 380). Structural equation modelling examined three hypotheses: (H1) increased social media use correlates with addiction, (H2) promotes sociocultural appearance ideals, and (H3) negatively affects emotional intelligence. Results showed social media use significantly predicted addiction (β = .47, p < .001), reinforced appearance ideals (β = .39, p < .001), and was inversely associated with emotional intelligence (β = −.22, p < .01). Findings highlight both risks and sociocultural influences of social media, particularly on younger users.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/02673843.2025.2454992Preadolescenceappearance idealsemotional intelligencesocial media addiction |
| spellingShingle | Lidia Piccerillo Alessia Tescione Alice Iannaccone Simone Digennaro Alpha generation’s social media use: sociocultural influences and emotional intelligence International Journal of Adolescence and Youth Preadolescence appearance ideals emotional intelligence social media addiction |
| title | Alpha generation’s social media use: sociocultural influences and emotional intelligence |
| title_full | Alpha generation’s social media use: sociocultural influences and emotional intelligence |
| title_fullStr | Alpha generation’s social media use: sociocultural influences and emotional intelligence |
| title_full_unstemmed | Alpha generation’s social media use: sociocultural influences and emotional intelligence |
| title_short | Alpha generation’s social media use: sociocultural influences and emotional intelligence |
| title_sort | alpha generation s social media use sociocultural influences and emotional intelligence |
| topic | Preadolescence appearance ideals emotional intelligence social media addiction |
| url | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/02673843.2025.2454992 |
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