Swipe, Scroll, Engage: How Social Media Shapes Youth’s Identity

Dr. Leonardo Orlando, philosopher and MCC Visiting Researcher, and Ákos Pöltl, Senior Lecturer and Family Safety Expert at the MCC Youth Research Institute, provided insights into how social media alters young people's sense of self and interpersonal relationships. The conversation was moderated by Enikő Szakos, Head of Strategy at NKE NITK and educational researcher at MCC’s Educational Research Centre.

A key theme was the attention economy, where major tech companies profit from capturing and holding users’ attention. This model encourages the development of platforms designed to be addictive—shaping user behavior through infinite scroll, personalized content, and reward systems. As the speakers emphasized, such strategies can have serious consequences for youth, including increased anxiety, identity confusion, and digital dependency.

Szakos also addressed a less discussed issue in education: the unchecked spread of educational technologies. She pointed out that most edtech tools are introduced into classrooms without proper testing, and even randomized trials are often conducted by the profit-driven companies themselves. This raises concerns about both the effectiveness and ethics of digital learning environments.

Beyond individual well-being, the panelists reflected on broader social and cognitive shifts. Early and excessive exposure to digital devices may lead to changes in attention span, learning patterns, and the quality of real-life social interactions. The discussion stressed the importance of promoting digital literacy, ethical tech design, and critical thinking—both in and outside the classroom.

The event offered a timely and thoughtful reflection on how digital culture is shaping the next generation—and what responsibilities educators, researchers, and society at large have in guiding young people through this evolving landscape.