Digital natives and hyperconnected adolescents

On the occasion of the International Youth Day on August 12, we explore the digital health of children and adolescents, between the virtual and the real world. The so-called “digital natives” belong to the generation born and raised in the era of the mass spread of digital technologies, ideally from 1985 onwards. The pervasive use of technology has brought them unique challenges and opportunities. These are even more profound for today’s adolescents, who live in constant connection, often on the edge of hyperconnection and web dependency. Although immediate access to information and global communication offers countless advantages, there are also significant associated risks. What are the possible strategies to promote a healthy and conscious use of technology among young people?

Distinguishing real and virtual

The growing overlap between online and offline life creates a context in which the boundaries between the real world and the virtual one become increasingly blurred. Digital natives, and adolescents in particular, constantly navigate between these two worlds, often having to balance offline and online experiences. This can lead to a distorted perception of reality, where virtual experiences may seem even more authentic or important than real ones. Social media, in particular, contribute to this confusion, with the added factor that the constructed and filtered lives of others can create unrealistic expectations. Young people especially may feel inadequate, comparing their real lives with the idealized representation of others’ lives online. To support young people’s digital health, it is crucial to foster critical awareness regarding online content and to recognize the difference between digital appearance and reality.

School and artificial intelligence

The role of schools is essential for media literacy. In the educational field, the use of artificial intelligenceArtificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field of s... More for learningIl termine apprendimento - con i sinonimi imparare, assimila... More is now a reality. Even if schools are not always ready to face this new reality, discouraging students from using artificial intelligence does not seem to be a decisive or constructive solution. On the contrary, wisely integrating new technologies into educational paths can provide teachers with the right opportunity to show students the strengths and weaknesses of digital support tools. Fondazione Patrizio Paoletti also invests in artificial intelligence to support the training of teachers themselves, through the platform Teachers Outreach, designed to ensure access to quality education worldwide through personalized updates for educators.

Opportunities for social interaction in the virtual dimension

The virtual dimension offers new opportunities for social interaction for young people, who can connect with peers and global communities, overcoming geographical and cultural barriers. Online platforms and social media allow the creation of support groups, discussion forums, and networks of shared interests, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support. These virtual connections can be particularly valuable for young people who feel marginalized or isolated in their local community. The internet, in fact, offers a space where everyone can find people with experiences similar to their own.

Isolation and digital bubble: encouraging human contact

While the web promotes constant connectivity and sharing, many adolescents nonetheless experience forms of isolation, both physical and emotional. Dependence on digital devices and online platforms can limit face-to-face interactions, reducing opportunities to build authentic and deep relationships. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and alienation.

Algorithms that personalize content can further narrow one’s knowledge horizon, creating a true digital bubble that exposes individuals only to information and opinions that confirm their pre-existing beliefs. This can prevent genuine engagement with a diversity of ideas and experiences, limiting open-mindedness and personal and social growth, which are fundamental in adolescence and throughout life.

To counter isolation, it is important to promote activities that encourage direct social interaction and inclusion. Increasingly often, even among younger children, there is a growing use of chatbots, or software that allow users to interact with digital devices as if they were communicating with a real person. However, although such tools can be useful in some areas of daily life, they can sometimes limit real communicative potential, especially among young people. Essential, instead, are community programs, team sports and extracurricular activities that can help young people develop social skillsThe relational core of emotional competence When we talk abo... More and build meaningful relationships, based on the genuine sharing of experiences and emotions.

Preventing Cyberbullying

One of the most serious threats online remains the phenomenon of cyberbullyingCyberbullying is the enactment via the internet of behaviors... More. Unlike traditional bullyingAlthough there is no universally agreed-upon definition of b... More, cyberbullying can occur anywhere and at any time, due to the pervasive nature of digital devices. Victims can be exposed to harassment, insults, defamation and threats, with deep and long-lasting psychological consequences. Studies have shown that cyberbullying can lead to depressionDepression is a disorder characterized by persistent sadness... More, anxietyAnxiety is an emotional response characterized by feelings o... More and low self-esteemThe term self-esteem literally refers to the evaluation of o... More, and the risk is highest during adolescence, when identity is still developing.

Raising awareness among parents, educators and schools about this phenomenon can encourage the adoption of preventive and intervention strategies. Educational programs that promote empathyEmpathy is a fundamental skill that allows us to connect wit... More and the development of digital skills can help young people better manage online interactions and defend themselves from web-related risks.

A balanced use of technology

The U.S. Surgeon General warns about the dangers of social media, which may be a significant factor in the youth mental healthWhat is meant by mental health? According to the World Healt... More crisis. He emphasizes that the potential harm depends on the amount of time young people spend on platforms, the type of content they are exposed to, and the interference with essential health activities such as sleep and physical exercise. On the other hand, he also lists the benefits of social media, such as receiving support, developing creativity and staying connected with friends.

It is therefore essential to encourage a balanced use of technology, so that virtual interactions never replace relationships in the real world. To mitigate associated risks and promote a healthy and conscious use of technology, a quality educational approach is essential. Parents, educators and society are called upon to work together to provide young people with the skills they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly in an increasingly connected daily reality. Fondazione Patrizio Paoletti offers a free video lesson to learn how to protect young people from the risks of web dependency and cultivate digital health.