Children's Ambivalent Experiences of Leisure Screen Use: Acceleration, Alienation and Resonance in the Digital Age

Abstract

Children today spend a significant part of their leisure time on digital activities. Research highlights the risks and benefits of screen use in relation to children's health and well-being. In recent years, the topic has gained increasing attention in both research and public debate, with opinions divided between advocating for restrictions or bans on screen use and cautioning that overly restrictive approaches may do more harm than good. To nuance and expand existing knowledge, it is important to include children's own perspectives and experiences of digital activities in their everyday lives. This study has a twofold aim. First, to explore how 9–11-year-old children experience their screen use during leisure time and second, to interpret these experiences through Hartmut Rosa's theoretical concepts of resonance, alienation and social acceleration, thereby situating children's screen use within a broader societal context. This qualitative study was conducted in Denmark and involved 15 days of participant observation and group interviews with 27 children in total. The children expressed ambivalence in relation to their digital activities during leisure time in two ways: (1) digital activities offer unlimited entertainment but also lead to boredom; (2) digital activities provide freedom and autonomy but also evoke a sense of dependence. Drawing on Rosa's theoretical concepts, digital activities, particularly those involving social interaction or those connected to other aspects of children's lives, can foster moments similar to experiences of resonance, while at other times they can contribute to alienation through experiences of boredom and addiction. Children's screen use during leisure time is a complex practice encompassing experiences of both resonance and alienation. To support children's health and well-being, it is essential to critically examine and contextualise their digital engagement. These insights can inform research and practice aimed at fostering meaningful and resonant digital environments.