Patterns of infants’ digital exposure in disadvantaged neighborhoods: Links to the family environment and toddler-age language.

The present study examined patterns of digital exposure (frequency, duration, mothers' intentions for exposure, and co-viewing) of 7-month-old infants (N = 221) from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. One half heard another language at home, usually alongside German. Links to family variables were analyzed for the whole sample and to children's later toddler-age societal language vocabulary for a less linguistically diverse subsample (n = 136). Latent mixture models identified three distinct digital exposure patterns: zero dosage, moderate background TV dosage, and higher foreground and background dosage. In the latter group, more mothers exposed their infants to media with specific intentions (e.g., distract or educate). Families in the higher fore- and background dosage group exhibited lower incomes, lower maternal education, less observed maternal sensitivity, and less frequent picture book reading. Infants in this group were more likely to hear a heritage language at home. Even after accounting for these family-related differences, infants with higher fore- and background dosage displayed smaller societal language vocabularies at age 1.5 years. Statistical interactions between digital exposure patterns, the quality of mother-child interaction (sensitivity, stimulation), and the frequency of picture book reading were nonsignificant. Findings indicate high fore- and background dosages may be detrimental, but moderate background TV poses less risk for very young children's societal language. This underscores the importance of a nuanced understanding of digital exposure in the context of family resources and risks. Recommendations should move beyond blanket prohibitions toward emphasizing the critical role of direct, language-rich interactions for language development, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).