About this Research Topic

Background

The rapid development of the Internet has made online platforms, primarily comprising online gaming and social media, crucial avenues for social interaction among individuals. The impact on adolescents is undeniable, especially regarding the exploration of its effects on the mental health and interpersonal interactions of children and adolescents. Excessive use of online gaming and social media has been linked to various mental health issues among adolescents. The constant exposure to curated and often idealized representations of others' lives on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and depression. Moreover, online gaming, particularly when played in excess, can disrupt sleep patterns, lead to social withdrawal, and exacerbate existing mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Cyberbullying and online harassment further compound these issues, causing significant psychological distress for affected individuals. From another perspective, there are empirical studies noted that social interaction in cyberspace can provide opportunities to enhance the mental health of users by facilitating social connections and peer support. Hence, in this Research Topic, we strive to explore the essential resources for psychological well-being through rewarding online social interactions.

The main emphasis of this Research Topic is to facilitate understanding of the potential impacts of cyberspace and explore possible efficient intervention strategies. Building upon existing research and integrating multidimensional evidence, we aim to provide theoretical and practical references for relevant work. The dialogues facilitated by this collection aspire to empower stakeholders to foster healthier digital environments and support the holistic development of young people in the digital age.

We invite original research on a range of topics, which include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

- Explore how social interaction in online gaming and social media affects adolescents' self-concept, interpersonal interactions, and mental health in both positive and negative ways.

- Analysis of the mechanisms of potential risks associated with online gaming and social media, such as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and Social Media Addiction

- Effective intervention methods will be proposed through quantitative and qualitative research.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: nline gaming, social media, self-concept, interpersonal interactions, mental health, Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), social media addiction, cyberbullying, digital literacy, intervention, preventive measures, digital environments, well-being.

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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