The last decade has brought fundamental changes in the use of media and communication technologies. Mobile devices have made constant access to media content and permanent connectedness to online networks and mediated communication the «new normal» in large parts of Western societies. At the same time, streaming platforms such as YouTube, Netflix or Spotify have fundamentally transformed the use of media entertainment, providing unprecedented digital autonomy to media users and making access to narratives and entertainment independent from time and space restrictions. For many users, these changes in the landscape of digital media represent a «double-edged sword». On the one hand, this ubiquitous access to digital content and communication is a valuable resource that may foster psychological well-being by providing instantaneous access to need satisfaction, stress-recovery, or mood optimization. On the other hand, constant connectedness presents important challenges to self-regulation, increasing digital stress and adversity through distraction, self-control failure or social pressure to be constantly available. Against this backdrop, questions pertaining to digital resilience are of utmost importance to the fields of media psychology and communication research: What are the boundary conditions for positive versus negative effects of digital media use for mental health and psychological well-being? How can media users be resilient to the demands and challenges of digital media and communication technology? And how can users become more resilient through the benefits provided by digital media environments? In my talk, I will aim at providing a short introduction to the concept of digital resilience and a brief overview of the research of my team on the chances and risks of digital media use. I will then present results of a recent project exploring the effects of entertaining media content on resilience in more detail. I hope that this input will provide the basis for a lively discussion of the many connections between media use and resilience.
| Wann? | 17.11.2026 17:00 - 18:00 |
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| Wo? | PER 21 G140 Bd de Pérolles 90, 1700 Fribourg |
| Vortragende | Leonard Reinecke is a Professor for Media Effects and Media Psychology at the Department of Communication at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany. In his research, he and his team address the uses and effects of digital media with a special emphasis on Mobile and Social Media and their effects on self-regulation and psychological health and well-being. |
| Kontakt | Mobiliar Center for Resilience steve.heinke@unifr.ch |
| Mehr dazu | Website |
