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Research Exploration Assignment
Latoya Venable
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
PSYC 210: Development Psychology
Professor Fluty
April 18, 2025
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Why was this article written?
At age 6 the human brain has met 95% of its adult size only the dominant areas continue
to develop during early adulthood (Cashion, 2019). The Internet was only a source for
government researchers in the 60’s to share data. Back then laptops were not around so to
make use of the information one had to travel or have magnetic computer tapes sent through
mail. It wasn’t until around 1983 that Transfer Control Protocol/Internetwork Protocol (TCP/IP)
allowed different computers on different networks to talk to each other. Before this computer
networks had no way of communicating (A Brief History of the Internet, 2024). The authors of
the article “Media use and brain development during adolescence” goals during their research
were to analyze how media can influence the adolescence brain. Throughout their research they
focused on social acceptance, cognitive development, peer pressure, responses to social
rejections and self-esteem.
What is the main idea of this article?
The main idea of the article “Media use and brain development during adolescence” is
to study the influence of media. At ages 10 through 22 the human brain is still maturing and
during today’s society adolescents grow up with tablets and video games. They are listening to
music on the internet, watching movies, tv shows, etc. Adolescents are communicating through
social media, and chat sites and even joining online clubs. Because they are still at a maturing
age, adolescents are more sensitive and emotional. The authors aim to show how social and
cultural processes shape adolescent brain development (Crone & Konijn, 2018).
To whom this article would be relevant
This article can be of use to school instructors/professors, counselors and any other
educational professional. They can get a perception of how media use may affect student’s
cognitive development, learning and behavior. Parents and caregivers interpreting the potential
impact of media on their children’s brain development can help parents and caregivers make
knowledgeable choices about media usage at home. Psychologists and Psychiatrists
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professionals in the mental health field can use the data to get a better understanding of
possible effects media can have on brain development and mental health.
Interesting quote from this article
“Today, all kinds of media formats are constantly available through portable
mobile devices such as smartphones and have become an integrated part of adolescents’ social
life” (Crone & Konijn, 2018). This quote seemed to be interesting because there was a time
before that cell phones did not offer media including cameras. Now cell phones, tablets, and
laptops are offering cameras including media applications and more. Technology has grown over
time and will continue to play a role today.
Shareable content from this article
The entire article was shareable but a few things that stood out were how
consistently being online can interrupt sleep patterns. Adolescents who spend more time on
their mobile devices may engage less offline and the effect it may have on the development of
the mind depends on their environment. There are people that can go for hours without the
media and there are others that need their mobile device in their hands.
Biblical concept related to the article
The article spoke about peer influence and opinions, social rejection and
acceptance and how can have some type of emotional effect. The biblical description that fit
best was Isaiah 41:10-11; Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I
will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my
righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and
confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish (Bible Gateway
Passage: Isaiah 41:10-11 - King James Version, 2015). In moments of fear and discouragement,
this scripture offers a reminder that God is our source of strength and support. His presence
relieves the weight of negative emotions.
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References
A Brief History of the Internet. (2024). Usg.edu; University System of Georgia.
https://www.usg.edu/galileo/skills/unit07/internet07_02.phtml
Bible Gateway passage: Isaiah 41:10-11 - King James Version. (2015). Bible Gateway.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2041%3A10-11&version=KJV
Cashion, V. (2019). LIFESPAN 360 : christian perspectives on human development. Kendall
Hunt.
Crone, E. A., & Konijn, E. A. (2018). Media Use and Brain Development during
Adolescence. Nature Communications, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-03126-x
