Human development in digital life: a systematic review of behavior, mental health, and cognitive functions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71112/8msv6w79Keywords:
digital technologies, mental health, human development, cognition, behaviorAbstract
Objective: To analyze scientific evidence on digital technology use and its relationship with behavior, mental health, and cognitive functions across development. Methodology: A qualitative systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020, with searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and SciELO. Results: The reviewed evidence suggests that the associations between digital technology use and development cannot be understood through screen time alone; they depend on content, age, sleep, adult mediation, self-regulation, and family or school context. Conclusions: Digital technologies may involve both risks and opportunities. Their relationship with health and cognition tends to be less favorable when they displace sleep, play, physical activity, and face-to-face interaction, and more favorable when they are used with purpose, support, and clear limits.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Carlos Enrique Muñoz Cofre, Ana Stefanía Andrade Fonseca, María Andrea Criollo Pullupaxi, Kevyn Steev Castillo Barrera, Gina Gabriela Aldaz Cadena (Autor/a)
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