This paper introduces Dual-Realm Development Theory, a conceptual framework proposing that modern child development occurs across both physical and digital environments. Integrating classical developmental theory with contemporary digital behaviour research, the paper reinterprets Erikson’s psychosocial stages within a dual-realm context and proposes testable hypotheses for future research. The framework addresses the growing developmental mismatch between traditional models and the lived reality of digitally immersed children.
Lisa Perry Wildman (Wed,) studied this question.