VOX: Social networks: ally or enemy? Time spent online and the effects on young people
23 January 2025

Social media is everywhere – in our phones, in our daily routines, and even in our conversations. They are a powerful tool to discover new opportunities, but excessive use can generate negative effects.
The time spent by young people on social networks varies considerably, from: “A day, about two hours, three” to “Almost all day”.
Another young man mentioned to us “It depends, if it is a less working day, if it is a more rest day”.
At the moment, there is a wide range of content available on social networks, and everyone has their preferences.
“As for cooking recipes, something funny and fashion more” says the young woman.
But in the top was TikTok: “More TikTok for funny videos”; “TikTok, more jokes and football” the young people answered.
While social media provides opportunities to connect and learn, young people recognise that overuse can come with less desirable effects.
“It gives me an idea of what outfits to wear to work, what menu to cook, there are ingenious and quick recipes and I spend time, so it goes by faster,” said a young woman.
“Some can contribute well, others negatively, but I assume that most of them are good,” the young woman replied
One of the young people told us: “For me it contributes because I am passionate about traveling, about their experiences of living in other countries”.
This trend shows how much social media has become an integral part of young people’s daily routines, raising questions about the balance between the digital and real worlds.