Digital Space as a Developmental Ecology: Youth Voices on Learning, Support, and Well-being in Contemporary Contexts

Abstract Book of the 5th International Education Conference

Year: 2026

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Digital Space as a Developmental Ecology: Youth Voices on Learning, Support, and Well-being in Contemporary Contexts

Dr. Karen Hor

ABSTRACT:

Young people are increasingly navigating their lives in digital environments. Understanding how they experience and use these spaces is important for educators, youth practitioners, and policymakers. This paper reports findings from a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study involving socially and economically disadvantaged youth in Singapore. It examines how young people themselves describe their developmental experiences and sources of support. Quantitative findings generally support established Positive Youth Development (PYD) constructs. However, qualitative focus group discussions (FGD) revealed the importance of digital space within the developmental ecology of young people. Participants described online platforms as sources of advice, emotional support, mentorship, identity exploration, and meaningful relationships. Digital environments also provided access to information, networks, and developmental resources beyond their immediate offline contexts. Drawing on an ecological systems perspective, the study conceptualises digital space as an active developmental microsystem that shapes youth experiences alongside family, school, and community environments. The findings highlight the value of youth voices in research and demonstrate how qualitative inquiry can uncover developmental assets and contextual realities not readily captured through quantitative approaches.
While situated in Singapore, this study contributes to broader international discussions on youth development, education, and well-being in increasingly digitalised societies. Implications are discussed for educational practice, youth programmes, and policy development in contexts where digital environments play an increasingly important role in young people’s lives.

Keywords: Digital Ecology, Mixed-Methods Research, Positive Youth Development, Youth Voice; Youth Well-being