Project description

Digital media are an important part of the lives of children and adolescents in Germany. While dysfunctional media use has often been the focus of attention in the past due to its clinical relevance, the state of research on functional use and its promotion is still inadequate. As part of the MERCUR-funded network "RuhrNetwork for Functional Digital Media-Use in Children and Adolescents", we are working with Stephanie Antons, Magnus Liebherr (University of Duisburg-Essen, Cognitive Psychology) and Julia Brailovskaia (Ruhr University Bochum, Clinical Psychology) to develop a conceptual understanding of functional media use, research its psychological mechanisms and develop measures to promote it. The aim is to contribute to making more use of the opportunities and possibilities offered by digital media and not to protect against the risks of dysfunctional use of digital services exclusively through preventive measures. A special feature of the network is its interdisciplinary and cross-location approach as well as its focus on the added value that digital media can offer for the lives of children and young people.

Information on the project

Study management: Prof. Dr. Stephanie Antons, PD Dr. Magnus Liebherr (Chair of ABWL & Mobility, University of Duisburg-Essen), Apl.Prof. Dr. Julia Brailovskaia (Research and Treatment Center for Mental Health, Ruhr University Bochum), Prof. Dr. Anke Heyder (Educational Psychology and Lifespan Development, Ruhr University Bochum)
Funding institution: Mercator Research Center Ruhr (MERCUR)
Funding line: Mercur cooperation
Project number: Ko-2021-0023
Funding period: 2022-2025 (completed)