Information and communication environment as a determinant of childhood culture

in the context of rapid digitalization, childhood is increasingly integrated into the information and communication environment, which is no longer a neutral tool and is becoming a structural factor in modern childhood culture. The purpose of this study is a theoretical and cultural analysis of the information and communication environment as an ontological condition of childhood, actively determining its content, forms and vector of development. In contrast to traditional approaches that focus on either the risks or the opportunities of the digital environment, the paper offers an integrative view of the information and communication environment as a system-forming cultural phenomenon that forms new models of identity, communication, play and spiritual experience of the child. The research used methods of theoretical and phenomenological analysis, as well as an interdisciplinary approach combining cultural studies, philosophy, pedagogy and media studies. The results show that the information and communication environment transforms the traditional culture of childhood, generating hybrid, post-traditional practices, but at the same time carries risks of loss of authenticity, privacy and depth of experience. The practical significance of the research lies in the possibility of using its findings to develop humanistic models of digital education, media literacy programs, ethically sound educational strategies and child protection policies in the digital environment.

childhood culture, information and communication environment, digitalization, cultural phenomenon, child development, digital environment