The 21st century has been marked by the development of technology that has changed the way we perform everyday tasks and spend our free time. As people have adapted their behavior to the modern age, the most significant changes in functioning have been observed among young people, that is, the generations that have grown up with new technologies.
Young people spend most of their lives in the online world, and their habits are influenced by technological developments from an early age. In the virtual world, they exchange messages to talk about their feelings, make plans, engage in intellectual dialogue, make purchases, exchange knowledge, develop ideas, gossip, argue, fall in love, find friends, play games, create art, and much more. While this can have numerous advantages, it has also raised serious questions as to whether younger generations are losing their grip on “real” life or simply creating a new one.
According to the International Telecommunication Union’s 2025 report Youth Internet Use, globally, 82 per cent of people aged 15 to 24 use the internet, ten percentage points more than the rest of the population.
With such a high proportion of young people spending time online, the digital environment has become an integral part of their daily lives. While this has created new opportunities for communication, learning, and support, it has also raised concerns about its impact on mental health, social relationships, and feelings of loneliness.
On social media platforms, users typically present an idealized picture of their lives—moments of happiness, successes, and satisfaction—while difficulties, insecurities, and everyday problems are rarely shared. Because of this, young people often feel that everyone else is leading a happier and more fulfilling life than they are, which can lead to frustration, dissatisfaction, and feelings of personal failure and low self-esteem. Although they are constantly connected to others through screens, this connection often remains superficial and cannot fully replace the closeness, support, and sense of belonging that comes from face-to-face relationships.
The paradox of the digital age is reflected in the fact that while it has never been easier to establish contact with others, more and more young people face feelings of loneliness, isolation, and emotional distance.
Young people often spend hours on social media, scrolling through content or communicating with friends and other users even at night, which leads to sleep deprivation and disorders. Poor sleep quality, in turn, leads to fatigue, decreased concentration, depression, and increased irritability. Excessive use of social media also has a negative impact on the physical health of young people, as those who spend too much time online often have less time for physical activity and movement. This results in obesity, decreased strength and fitness, back and neck problems, and increased risk of various diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, spinal problems, and muscle atrophy.
Beyond the physical consequences, excessive use of social media can also affect the way young people build and maintain relationships. Although these platforms provide opportunities to communicate with large numbers of people regardless of distance, online interactions do not always provide the same emotional support and sense of connection as direct human contact. Having hundreds or even thousands of online friends does not necessarily mean that a person has meaningful relationships in everyday life. The quality of social connections often plays a more important role than the number of contacts a person has.
Furthermore, the constant availability of online content can create a feeling of pressure among young people to remain alert, updated, and socially present at all times. Fear of missing out or “FOMO,” comparison with others, and the need for validation through likes, comments, and followers can influence self-esteem and emotional well-being. Young people may begin to measure their own success and value through online reactions, which can increase feelings of insecurity and dissatisfaction.
Ultimately, the problem is not technology itself, but the way it is used. Digital platforms can provide support, information, and opportunities for connection, but when online interactions replace real-life relationships, they can contribute to emotional distance and social isolation. Maintaining a balance between digital communication and face-to-face interaction is essential for preserving healthy relationships and protecting the mental well-being of young people. The digital era has created a generation that is more connected than ever before, but connectivity does not always equal closeness. The ability to communicate instantly with others around the world represents a significant advantage of modern technology; however, it also raises questions about the quality of those connections. Young people today are faced with the challenge of finding a balance between the virtual and real worlds, ensuring that technology remains a tool for connection rather than a replacement for genuine human relationships.