Social Development Theory in Media Research

Abstract

We live in media‐saturated environments. As such, parents, caregivers, and teachers often struggle with finding a healthy balance when it comes to exposure to media and interactive technology, both at home and in the classroom. Using Vygotsky's sociocultural theory as a lens, this entry proposes that reasonable exposure to media and interactive technology can be beneficial to early learners, by both directly and indirectly enhancing cognitive development and traditional learning experiences. Specifically, research has reliably shown that media and interactive technology can positively influence learning within a child's zone of proximal development directly, by serving as a more knowledgeable other with the ability to scaffold conceptual information.