This study explores how Italian PhD researchers are using emerging technologies and online resources during their doctoral studies. It aims to understand how these digital tools and online environments are affecting their learning experiences and academic practices. The researchers administered online surveys to 625 Italian PhD students across multiple universities. Preliminary findings show that the students generally take a pragmatic rather than innovative approach to using social media for academic purposes. They view online resources more as a place to access information rather than collaborate. The students' goals and tool usage may change over time based on their research progress, field of study, and support from their local institution. The study uses a grounded theory approach and concepts of learning ecologies and chronotopes to analyze how these digital scholars operate across