Childhood in the age of digital culture

Abstract

ABSTRACT For many, childhood is a time when they have a certain capacity to make independent choices and decisions. If socialized in communal spaces, children begin to create their own peer cultures. A lesser-discussed peer culture is the one that exists in the digital space. This paper investigates how the increased use of technology among youth impacts the creation of peer cultures online. Ideas and construction of the self will be explored through the mapping of youth identity formation online, an analysis of existing media literacy courses through the lens of Dewey’s educational theories, and the discussion of social media in Theatre for Youth productions supported by Nellie McCaslin’s writings on technology and children.