Engl. transl.: From the Digital Generation to the Social Media Generation: the Main Internet Usage Trends among Estonian Young People Leading to Generational Identity-building

Relying on various recent quantitative (e.g. EU Kids Online survey) and qualitative studies, the present article aims to give an overview of the main trends surrounding Estonian children’s (9–17 year olds) internet use (e.g. access to the internet, time spent online, online activities, using the internet for schoolwork, digital skills). Furthermore, relying upon the findings of a qualitative study where young adults (n = 42, 18–23 year olds), who were asked to refrain from using any social media platforms for five consecutive days, reflect in their detox diaries upon the role social media plays in their daily lives.

"Estonian young people claim to be versatile internet users, although entertainment and communication-related activities tend to prevail." (Siibak, 2020, p. 33). "Although children’s self-assessment of their digital skills is very good, children’s engagement in creative and participatory online activities, which also require more digital skills, is still rather uncommon." (Siibak, 2020, p. 33). "Findings of qualitative studies indicate that young people’s modest digital participation can be explained by their lack of motivation on the one hand, and the lack of polite and reasoned communication culture, on the other hand." (Siibak, 2020, p. 33). "Due to the variety of affordances social media platforms provide, many children and young adults in Estonia have become habitual users of social media." (Siibak, 2020, p. 33).