Navigating Digital Childhoods: An Investigation of Preschoolers' YouTube Engagement

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Navigating Digital Childhoods: An Investigation of Preschoolers' YouTube Engagement
Language: English
Authors: Ahmet Sami Konca (ORCID 0000-0002-6423-6608), Omer Faruk Akbulut (ORCID 0000-0001-5152-8102), Busra Somuncu Coksagir (ORCID 0000-0003-0415-558X), Seda Sarioglan (ORCID 0000-0001-8843-6367), Cilem Tugba Koc
Source: Early Childhood Education Journal. 2026 54(1):329-343.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 15
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Preschool Children, Video Technology, Computer Use, Foreign Countries, Aspiration, Consumer Economics, Emotional Response
Geographic Terms: Turkey
DOI: 10.1007/s10643-024-01818-2
ISSN: 1082-3301
1573-1707
Abstract: The rapid proliferation of digital media has significantly transformed childhood experiences, necessitating an understanding of its impact on preschoolers' development. This study illuminates the nature of YouTube interactions among preschool-aged children, underlining the importance of this research in the broader context of digital media's role in early childhood. Addressing a vital gap, the work explores how these interactions influence aspirations and consumer behavior within a Turkish cultural framework. Employing semi-structured interviews, data was meticulously gathered from 25 parent-child pairs, providing a narrative-driven exploration into digital engagement. The findings reveal a dual-faceted impact: children exhibited emotional responses and altered aspirations post-YouTube exposure, with a marked inclination towards consumerism influenced by digital content. This underscores the potency of social learning through digital platforms. However, the research scope was confined to a specific locale, necessitating caution when extending conclusions beyond this demographic. The results prompt a reevaluation of parental mediation practices, suggest potential for educational integration of digital media, and advocate for the necessity of culturally attuned digital content regulation. Implications for future research include diversifying methodologies and participant demographics to further substantiate the findings and expand their applicability.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1503877
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:The rapid proliferation of digital media has significantly transformed childhood experiences, necessitating an understanding of its impact on preschoolers' development. This study illuminates the nature of YouTube interactions among preschool-aged children, underlining the importance of this research in the broader context of digital media's role in early childhood. Addressing a vital gap, the work explores how these interactions influence aspirations and consumer behavior within a Turkish cultural framework. Employing semi-structured interviews, data was meticulously gathered from 25 parent-child pairs, providing a narrative-driven exploration into digital engagement. The findings reveal a dual-faceted impact: children exhibited emotional responses and altered aspirations post-YouTube exposure, with a marked inclination towards consumerism influenced by digital content. This underscores the potency of social learning through digital platforms. However, the research scope was confined to a specific locale, necessitating caution when extending conclusions beyond this demographic. The results prompt a reevaluation of parental mediation practices, suggest potential for educational integration of digital media, and advocate for the necessity of culturally attuned digital content regulation. Implications for future research include diversifying methodologies and participant demographics to further substantiate the findings and expand their applicability.
ISSN:1082-3301
1573-1707
DOI:10.1007/s10643-024-01818-2