Abstract

VALE, Nielsen Ricardo Ferreira et al. Time on electronic devices and recognition emotional facial expressions in children. Psi Unisc [online]. 2024, vol.8, n.1, pp.40-61.  Epub Apr 10, 2026. ISSN 2527-1288.  https://doi.org/10.17058/psiunisc.v8i1.18472.

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between daily screen time and the ability to recognize facial expressions of emotions. A total of 60 children, aged between eight and eleven years, of both sexes, participated in this study, divided into two groups: the control group, with up to two hours of daily screen time, and the study group, with more than two hours of screen time. The following questionnaires were administered: sociodemographic, developmental tracking, Acuity test (screening), test of recognition of emotional facial expressions, and a Media Use Diary to monitor screen time. The results revealed that the variables of joy (40% and 55%), fear (70%), and sadness (40%) showed an association between the “screen time” and “facial emotions and their intensities” variables. This indicates that the study group had a significantly lower performance in identifying these intensities compared to the control group. The findings helped to understand how high exposure to screen time can interfere with the recognition of moderate-intensity emotional expressions. This study contributes to expanding research in order to investigate the risks and effects of electronic devices associated with the development of emotions.

Keywords : Screen Time; Information Technology; Child development; Facial Recognition.

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