Online Experiences and Life Satisfaction in Korean Children : Exploring Age-Related Differences

Sunsuk Kim, Professor
JaeJin Ahn, Gachon University
Jaeyoon Lee, Seoul National University
Suah Jeon, Seoul National University

This study analyzes the relationship between life satisfaction and the online usage environment among South Korean children, specifically comparing 10-year-olds and 12-year-olds. The research explores the impact of five subcategories—digital utilization skills, online bullying, exposure to risks, parental mediation, and internet usage—on life satisfaction. Data were collected from 1,468 10-year-olds and 1,612 12-year-olds. The analysis reveals that the factors significantly influencing life satisfaction differ between age groups: 10-year-olds are particularly sensitive to online bullying and exposure to harmful content, negatively affecting their life satisfaction. In contrast, for 12-year-olds, internet addiction and excessive digital engagement emerged as critical negative factors, while appropriate levels of internet usage positively influenced their life satisfaction. These findings highlight the necessity for age-specific intervention strategies and emphasize that the impact of the online environment on life satisfaction varies significantly with age.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth

See extended abstract.