FORMATION OF CHILDRENS NUTRITION CULTURE IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

The rapid integration of digital technologies into daily life has fundamentally transformed the environment in which children grow, learn, and develop habits. This article explores the formation of childrens nutrition culture within the context of the digital age. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, the study investigates how prolonged screen time, exposure to digital food marketing, and the use of mobile applications influence the dietary choices and eating behaviors of children aged seven to twelve. The research involved surveying five hundred parents and conducting in-depth qualitative interviews with fifty families. The findings indicate a significant correlation between high daily screen time and an increased consumption of ultra-processed foods. Furthermore, the algorithmic targeting of food advertisements on social media platforms profoundly shapes childrens food preferences, often steering them away from traditional, balanced meals. Conversely, the study also highlights the potential of educational health applications to foster positive nutritional awareness when guided by parental mediation. The discussion contextualizes these results within ecological systems theory, emphasizing that digital spaces now act as a primary environment for cultural transmission. The article concludes that fostering a healthy nutrition culture in children requires a multifaceted approach involving digital literacy education, stricter regulations on digital food marketing, and active parental engagement.