Emotions vs. screens. How is 'digital' changing teenagers?

It sometimes seems as if today's teenagers were born with gadgets in their hands. They cannot imagine a world without the internet, where they can find the answer to any question or start their favourite TV series with just two clicks. 

While this connection with technology opens up many opportunities, it also brings a whole range of problems that can seriously affect a teenager's personality and future.

What are the concerns of today's young people? We have highlighted a few main points.

1. Social networks: friend or foe?

   Teenagers literally live on social networks. They use them to communicate, share their successes, find information and establish their place in the world. Dependence on virtual approval in the form of likes and comments can turn this environment into a source of constant stress. “Why do I have fewer likes than my friends? What if I don't look good enough?" These questions are bothersome and lead to low self-esteem and stress. On top of this, constant notifications on messaging apps seem like the least of the evils, but they also distract from studying or normal rest.

2. Cyberbullying: bullying around the clock.

   The internet has made bullying even more frightening because it is no longer confined to school or the street. Cyberbullying can happen at any time and in any place with internet access. Taunts and threats, as well as the unauthorised posting of photos, can all seriously undermine mental health. Teenagers who are bullied can feel lonely and lost.

3. Focus? Systems thinking? It's not like that.

   Endless news feeds, stories and short videos have led teenagers to become accustomed to 'jumping' from one topic to another. On the one hand, this makes them multitasking masters. But it also affects their ability to engage with topics that require thoughtfulness and concentration. They find it hard to focus on one subject, analyse it, and draw conclusions. So, how can you succeed in your studies and future career?

4. Emotions? What are you talking about?

   Constant communication through messaging and comments leaves little room for developing emotional intelligence. Teenagers find it harder to understand their own feelings, let alone pick up on the subtle emotional cues of others. Consequently, they struggle to form deep relationships, which can lead to feelings of isolation and inner discomfort.

5. Information chaos and digital amnesia

   The internet offers instant access to everything. While this may sound appealing, it has a side effect: why memorise something when you can always look it up online? This 'digital amnesia' reduces motivation to learn independently and devalues knowledge gained at school.

This combination of factors can strengthen teenagers, making them more adaptive and creative, but it can also undermine their self-confidence and hinder their full socialisation. The key is to learn how to manage the opportunities of the digital age rather than letting them manage you.

So, what can be done?

It is important for parents and educators to help teenagers strike a balance between the virtual and real worlds. Here are some practical tips from experts:

• Set time limits on gadget use.

• Encourage sports, creative activities and offline socialising.

• Help them to develop emotional intelligence: talk about feelings and teach them how to express and understand emotions.

• Spend family time away from screens, whether that's going for walks or playing board games.